The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) supports the South African
Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)’s case lodged at the Equality Court in pursuit
of the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament, Renaldo Gouws. Videos of
Renaldo Gouws making outrageous racist utterances including direct incitement of
violence against black people demonstrating racism and hate speech.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has lodged case after assessing
and determining that the statements made by Gouws constitute hate speech and
harassment. The Bill of Rights, Chapter 2, Section 16(1) states that “Everyone has the right to
freedom of expression,” but subsection (2) clarifies that this right does not extend to (c)
advocacy of hatred that is based on race, ethnicity, gender, or religion, and that
constitutes incitement to cause harm. The DA MP in question has expressed in the
most hateful way his dislike for black South Africans, repeatedly using racial slurs.
South Africa is a relatively young democratic state, having gained its liberal democracy
after a decades-long struggle against racist minority regimes. The racist regime was
maintained through violence against the black majority, particularly the Africans.
The post-apartheid conditions for black people in this country are still dire. It is deeply
disappointing that racists are left to thrive to the extent that they even hold positions in
governance, making decisions for citizens, in a country where 48.6 million black
Africans form the majority of the population. This illustrates how little our government
values the healing, progression, and development of apartheid’s victims.
In his inauguration speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated “Our strength lies in our
diversity and our collective resolve to build a nation where everyone has the opportunity
to thrive.” Yet, South Africans are forced to endure the presence of racist apartheid
sympathizers in their parliament, who feel entitled to preserve their privilege as
beneficiaries of apartheid’s legacy by obstructing progress in black communities.
SAFTU supports the motion to suspend Renaldo Gouws as a Member of Parliament, as
his hateful racist views and remarks are unconstitutional and endanger the citizens of
South Africa. South Africans have suffered at the hands of white supremacists for more
than a century. The federation remains committed to working towards a South Africa
where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or
background. SAFTU will continue to support efforts aimed at eradicating racism and
promoting unity within the country.
