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SOUTH Africa, home of Nelson Mandela, brilliant sports teams, incredible natural wonders, the world’s best constitution and hate speech.
Hate speech used to be a fringe phenomenon that was ignorable. It is now threatening to overwhelm our public discourse.
The latest statement from a Free State youth leader that UFS vice-chancellor Jonathan Jansen should be “shot dead” because he is a racist has once more hogged the headlines.
There is an upside: The fact that people are free to say the most outrageous things without legal consequences is to be welcomed.
It shows that we are country in which freedom is cherished above all else.
What is disturbing is the fact that these statements are not contradicted by those in power.
On the contrary, they are endorsed, sometimes with searing sarcasm, by very powerful people who should know better.
So when the MK Veterans Association said that Kader Asmal “should die” because he dared criticise the political naivety of certain ANC leaders, the political establishment ought to have put the remark in its place.
Instead, the ANC’s secretary general, Gwede Mantashe, had this to say: “In line with ANC tradition, Comrade Kader is welcome to engage us on any issue. But wish to warn that in taking on issues, self-destruction can bleed you to death.”
This amounts to an attempt at humour when a political leader ought to have attempted to assure the public that such speech is not acceptable language.
Free speech should be allowed, but it would be encouraging if our political leaders made it clear that they distance themselves from this sort of outrageous rabble rousing.

Related posts:

  1. Jacob Zuma must speak out against his party’s hate speech
  2. Gwede Mantashe to Kader Asmal: Self-destruction can bleed you to death – full text
  3. South Africa: The wallflower at the democracy ball
  4. Hate crime. Hate intolerance. But love South Africa
  5. Hate speech ruling against Malema a blow to free expression

 

Comments

 

Lesetja Ledwaba

October 27, 2009 at 7:21 am

Is racism democratic?i never once heard you condemning all the racism taking place in the country.Not suprised,really.YOU ARE A RACIST YOURSELF.

As for Asmal,he expressed a wish to die,so let him die and be buried in the grave nearest to his home.Whats wrong in that?Grant him his wish.

 

Clive Simpkins

October 27, 2009 at 8:46 am

I’m afraid the quilt that once covered the Desmond Tutu-named ‘Rainbow Nation’ has some serious tears in it. If we saw ourselves as the ONE consciousness we are, we would not talk to others the way we do.

 

Justin

October 27, 2009 at 8:57 am

It appears to me that hate speech as a viable discourse is related to violent crime and social decay. Our leaders are symbolic of what has happened to our public discourse: thugocracy, the rule of society by gangsters who really have nothing to say but really enjoy exercising their option to intimidate to prevent other people from exercising hteir right to free speech. Chances are we should start looking for evidence of death squad activity but in this country each of these little pukes spreads death by word and/or deed, and gets away with it. This bunch are worse than the Nats ever were. And it has to do with what we mean by leadership and what we mean by educated. In this climate, intelligent and educated opinions are hated, the good are despised and the evil exhalt themselves.

 

denise davies

October 27, 2009 at 11:38 am

When will the Youth League and its supporters say what they really mean then? If they dont mean to say that they think somebody or another should be killed then why say it!? They continue to act like little brats waiting to be punished! What a waste this must all seem to the honourable and dignified men and women who fought for the freedom and reconciliation of this country,when clearly, self-seeking and empty minds occupy our news. Come on ANC, who are the real racists here? How can you really expect us all to move forward and make a good life for all when there is so much hatred coming out of the ANC Youth League and its supporters,who by the way should try to walk the talk for a change , and help the youth, not destroy their ideals!

 

Simon Barber

October 27, 2009 at 2:57 pm

Yes, one does have to wonder why the killing language goes unchided. Do the grown-ups condone it? Agree with it? Are they afraid of those who use it? Do they worry chiding might put them in the camp of that detested crew, “white liberals”. Or do they simply not take it terribly seriously.

Hate speech, it often seems to me, tends to emanate from those who feel powerless and marginalised. It’s a way of getting noticed, of getting yourself in the headlines, which in turn gives you a sense power, of mattering. A false sense, generally, unless you manage to strike an actual chord. Then things get dangerous. Right now, I see no chord being struck. But I may be wrong.

 

Larry Goodfella

October 27, 2009 at 3:59 pm

Who are you calling a grownup, Simon.

Some peoples, yes even my president, may look like adults, but actually have the mentality of rambunctious teenagers doped up to the eyeballs.
Dont be fooled.
There is a reason why Malema and his youth league are referred to as kindergarteners.

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