Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
01 August 2023 | 08:38am SAST
2 min read

Picture: Sunday World

South Africa – As the 2024 election year draws nearer, political tensions escalate as opposition leader John Steenhuisen takes a strong stance against alleged hate speech incitement by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, and the African National Congress (ANC). Steenhuisen recently appeared on Radio Islam International to discuss his decision to file charges against both parties with the United Nations Human Rights Council and seek action through local channels.

During the radio interview, Mr. Steenhuisen expressed concerns about Malema’s recent remarks during the EFF’s 10th-anniversary celebrations at FNB Stadium. Malema was captured chanting, “Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer,” followed by a reenactment of machine gun fire, sparking outrage and fears of incitement to violence against specific ethnic groups.

“We’ve seen in many countries to the north of us the terrible effects when genocide and ethnic violence is propagated by politicians. Rwanda went through a horrific period of violence between the Tutsis and the Hutus, and it was spurred on by politicians. We need to avoid that in South Africa,” emphasised Steenhuisen during the interview.

Steenhuisen, leader of the DA, accused Malema of inciting civil war and resurrecting hatred divisions within the nation. He believes that such rhetoric is harmful and has the potential to escalate tensions and violence between different racial and ethnic groups.

The opposition leader is calling for clear distinctions between acceptable and unacceptable campaigning as the election season approaches. He sees a need for a greater emphasis on unity, respect for diverse backgrounds, and campaigning based on common values and principles.

Steenhuisen outlined the charges he plans to file against Malema and the ANC with the UN Human Rights Council. He points to various clauses in the United Nations Human Rights Charter and other international agreements that prohibit incitement of racial hatred or violence against any ethnic group. The charges aim to seek clarification on the boundaries of hate speech and the responsibility of the South African government as a signatory to enforce these agreements.

Additionally, Steenhuisen intends to approach Parliament’s Ethics Committee to address the matter and ensure that elected members uphold the law and maintain confidence and trust in the institution. He also plans to pursue local remedies through the Public Protector and the Human Rights Commission.

Steenhuisen strongly believes that the issue should not be dismissed as mere “childish antics” and emphasises the long-term, clear, and present danger posed by such rhetoric. He contends that the nation’s social well-being is at stake and calls for immediate action to prevent further divisions and violence.

As the political landscape heats up ahead of the 2024 elections, the focus must remain on upholding democratic values, promoting tolerance, and safeguarding the unity of the diverse South African nation.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Muallima Annisa Essack here.