Beware of the fires of hatred

WHAT is it about the King of the Zulu nation which makes the rest of us want to tiptoe around him? Why does he seem to be almost untouchable? Those are questions one cannot help but ask in the wake of the extraordinary decision by the SA Human Rights Commission that, although Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini’s utterances last year were harmful to foreign nationals, he did not call for violence against migrants.

Zwelithini accused foreign nationals of making “streets dirty”. He also called on foreign nationals to pack their bags and go home. In the wake of his remarks, violence flared in KwaZulu-Natal and a number of foreigners were killed, while many were forced to flee as their homes and businesses were looted and destroyed. Around the country, seven foreigners were murdered.

The King is regarded by many of his subjects as Godlike and his utterances go beyond mere comments: in their minds they are tantamount to commands. If the King expresses his displeasure, many are his subjects who will use violence to avenge a perceived insult to him.

Thus, it is incumbent on him to choose his words with the utmost care to avoid inflaming emotions.

The Human Rights Commission’s finding all but excused the King. Commission head Lawrence Mushwana and a Zulu language expert concluded that these statements did not incite violence.

We feel that, had these sentiments been uttered by anyone else, there would have been a finding of incitement or of hate speech.

That the King has been cleared sets a dangerous precedent: that it is fine for public figures to attack foreigners and call for their expulsion.

That just fans the flames of xenophobia.