"I confirm that I have listened to the recording WhatsApp voice note and on a preliminary assessment thereof, the comments can be considered to be offensive, demeaning, and discriminatory. "The commission's KZN office would, however, need to look into this matter and the allegations in terms of our complaints handling processes. We will proceed to register our own initiative complaint for this purpose. "People are cautioned to be mindful of their comments and conduct in general and to ensure that the same does not conflict with the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Bill of Rights. This applies to both inperson engagements and interactions as well as those that take place on various social media and other public platforms," said Padayachee. The woman in the voice note blames the "black berries" and "natives" for the water woes that hit various parts of Pietermaritzburg re cently. Residents have had to go without water for up to five days due to the constant damage to the ageing asbestos and cement water pipes. Taps in Roberts and Taunton roads burst, Northdale and Woodlands and surroundings , Napierville which feeds the CBD Prestbury and parts of Edendale , all had a dry spell in the past week. "Look, we've lived in Raisethorpe and we never had this nonsense. We didn't ever one day go without water because we were run properly by the boer ous Afrikaner men . These blackberries don't know what they are doing. They are just messing up. I can't wait for May to make my mark. I've had enough of these natives now. I've had enough of them," the woman says in the voice note. The Witness called the woman to get her side of the story but she said "This is none of your business" and hung up. When called again, her phone went to voicemail. Councillor Middleton confirmed the existence of the voice note, but distanced himself from the rants, and said he had no control over what people post on social media. He said during the water crisis that affected the entire Woodlands area, tempers and frustrations flared, "understandably so". "I do not condone nor promote any racial slurs or comments, neither will I be drawn into these kinds of conversations publicly or privately. We live in a free and democratic society, and yes, the local, provincial and national leaders have failed our country dismally, however as SA under one constitution we are compelled not to blame one for others' inefficiencies. I strongly urge my residents and all of SA to steer away from racial connotations," he said. Msunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said racial slurs had no place in a country that's celebrating 30 years of democracy. "We can't have people still promoting racism. "Such people must be dealt with within the ambit of the country's laws. Not all political parties can stand up and condemn racism. "As we are in the Human Rights month, this case needs to be investigated and adequate punishment meted out if anyone is found guilty," said Thebolla.

Source: The Witness