Understanding lacking in our society

Recently I have been reading very distressing and disturbing lead stories in our newspapers regarding the steady increase in hate statements and xenophobia-related violence.

It is unacceptable to disregard the core principles and values enshrined in our constitution through violence motivated by hate and intolerance of minority groups, soft targets and through bigotry and marginalisation of those regarded as different because of religious beliefs, nationality or ethnicity.

Irrespective of religious or cultural beliefs or ethnic origin, everyone living in South Africa has a fundamental right to respect, equality, dignity and to be protected from criminals and violence.

The recent march against forThe eign nationals in Gauteng provides evidence of the fact that such understanding is lacking in our society and needs to be addressed through critical conversations and education.

Open expressions of xenophobia and racist statements draw the attention of social media users, who in turn amplify it or further disseminate it without thinking about the consequences of these statements.

In this context, it is important to discuss racism, hate speech and xenophobia as evil and law breaking rather than just simply saying it’s aimed at crime. All forms of hate are a threat to social cohesion and economic progress and are truly unacceptable.

It’s time to wake up and have courageous and significant conversations regarding hate speech, discrimination, xenophobia and corruption. Mohamed Saeed Pietermaritzburg

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