Diversity course for hate speech

THE SOUTH African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has concluded its investigation into a hate speech complaint against Matthew Theunissen, who will embark on community service in a disadvantaged area in Cape Town for three to six months.

SAHRC spokesman Isaac Mangena said the commission held a conciliation meeting last Tuesday to conclude its investigation.

Theunissen posted racist comments on Facebook last month. His comments were directed at the government and the people it serves after the release of the EPG (Eminent Persons Group) Transformation report.

Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula announced that a number of sporting codes would not be allowed to bid to host international events for failing to meet transformation goals. Theunissen took to social media to voice his concerns.

“So no more sporting events for South Africa… I have never been more proud to say that our government are a bunch of k ***** s… yes, I said it so go f *** yourselves you black f***ing c**ts,” he wrote.

“Realising the outrage and hurt caused by his post, Theunissen responded immediately to the SAHRC attempts to contact him. Prior to meeting with the commission he issued a public apology,” said Mangena.

The parties agreed to convene a conciliation meeting that was held last Tuesday where Theunissen offered additional assurances and agreed to particular remedial conduct in response to his offence.

“As part of the settlement, beyond the unconditional apology, which the commission deemed acceptable and sincere, the parties agreed that Theunissen would embark on community service for a period of three to six months in a currently poor disadvantaged area of Cape Town Metropole in the area of sports development,” said Mangena.

Theunissen will also undertake research on anti-racism, diversity, transformation and tolerance.