We must disarm hate to ensure peace

HURTFUL racial remarks and unspeakable acts of racism continued throughout 2018.

Any acts of racism must be condemned by all South Africans.

It is tragic and sad that people across the country thrive on racial and religious hatred.

We must remember that those who attack others because of their race do not just attack that race, they attack all of humanity.

Their racial slurs are slurs against all people. We must never try to match hate with hate.

We need to teach those who hate that our support for the universal truths of human equality and liberty, and our respect for the dignity of humanity is greater and larger than hate.

Hate is colour-blind, racism is colour-blind. We must consistently reject hate, we must consistently reject any form of racism, because hate and racism consistently rejects humanity.

Like cancer, if unchecked, it will consume the body which nurtures and carries it.

Ultimately hate is both destructive and self-destructive. Hate inevitably leads to self-hate. The 20th century was awash with the blood of hatred.

Hatred leads to war. We must disarm hatred to assure peace.

Denunciation of hatred is an act of patriotism. Remaining silent undermines everyone’s freedom and endangers humanity.