DA to act on Malema ‘hate speech’

THE DA will report Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader‚ Julius Malema’s “unconstitutional and deeply hateful comments” to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for investigation‚ the party said yesterday afternoon.

Addressing a crowd in Newcastle on Monday after appearing in court for contravening the Riotous Assemblies Act‚ Malema said: “They found peaceful Africans here. They killed them! They slaughtered them‚ like animals! We are not calling for the slaughter of white people‚ at least for now”.

DA MP and national spokeswoman Phumzile van Damme said: “These comments violate the most fundamental principles of our hard-won constitutional democracy.

“Indeed, the South Africa which Nelson Mandela dreamed of in 1994 is founded on the values of freedom‚ equality‚ dignity‚ as well as nonracism and non-sexism.

“These are the same values which the DA cherishes and upholds‚ and will fight against whenever infringed upon.”

Van Damme said it had been more than 24 hours since “these divisive‚ hate-filled and extremely dangerous comments were made” and despite being given the opportunity to apologise‚ Malema had remained silent.

“It is now time for the SAHRC to play their part in ensuring there is recourse for this conduct. – TMG Digital