Judgment in April for ‘hate speech’ comments

JUDGMENT in the hate speech trial of Injenje yamaNguni leader Phumlani Mfeka has been set down for April next year.

Mfeka expressed frustration at the delay when he appeared with co-accused Zweli Sangweni at the Equality Court yesterday.

He said the process had been taxing and he was disappointed judgment had been postponed. Mfeka said the case had been dragging on for more than four years and interrupted the operations of pressure group Injenje yamaNguni and his business activities.

When Magistrate John Sanders announced the postponement, Mfeka’s facial expression betrayed his displeasure. He said he had been hoping for judgment so he could continue with his life.

“We want some conclusion and finalisation in the matter,” he said.

Mfeka is facing hate speech charges for labelling Mahatma Gandhi a racist, saying Indian people were exploiting Africans, and making other racially charged comments.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and SA Human Rights Commission laid charges against Mfeka, Sangweni, and the Mazibuye African Forum, of which Mfeka is also a part.

The commission sought to have Mfeka fined R50 000, which was to be paid to an orphanage.

Sanders said he would take time to apply himself to the matter and give his judgment over two days in April.

Advocate Mbongeleni Mchunu had argued that Mfeka’s comments were not hate speech, and questioned SAHRC chairperson Bongani Majola’s interpretation of Mfeka’s utterances.