No to racism

THE South African Human Rights Commission is determined to combat all forms of racial slurs and racism in general – no matter whether it is Edward Zuma who is implicated, a Stellenbosch student or anyone else.

The commission finds media reports of a racial slur used against Terence Makapan, a student from the Stellenbosch University, and his friends very disturbing; and invites them to provide us with the details of the person, who allegedly used the derogatory H-word, in order for us to take the necessary action.

It is also concerning that an apparent racial attack followed the abusive racist language.

The commission has been very successful in the Equality Court in the last couple of months to call people to account who had used derogatory language and will continue without the slightest hesitation to act against such persons, without fear, favour or prejudice.

At the same time, the commission welcomes Wynberg Boys’ Junior School’s withdrawal of a warning letter involving the hairstyle of Lebone Ramedupe.

We urge the school to review its code of conduct to embrace cultural diversity, equality and the other important values in our Bill of Rights.

Schools are often the first port of call to foster diversity, inclusivity, nation building and social cohesion.

They have a critical role to play in advancing human rights.

I have written to the national minister of education, requesting that an audit is done in all schools in every province ensuring that schools’ codes of conduct comply with our constitution.

I would like to urge the Western Cape MEC for Education, Debbie Schäfer, to ensure that a compliance audit is done as soon as possible in the Western Cape – involving not only public schools, but private schools as the constitution has to be respected by all. André Gaum SAHRC Commissioner