South African Government Stands Against Racism

Department of Justice does its part to take a stand against discrimination

Cape Town, March 31 – The South African government is set to take certain measures against racist posts on social media platforms. Rants of this nature deliberately hinder the country’s move toward progression within South Africa and toward social cohesion, nation-building and strengthening our democracy.

Above; Acting Director General of GCIS, Below; The South African Constitution

Actions put in place

The Acting Director General of Government Communication and Information Systems, Donald Liphoko, said; “It is unfortunate that such comments follow hot on the heels of the country commemorating Human Rights Day. Government will actively pursue offenders through all available mechanisms including confronting employers and will not allow incidents of racism to define us as a country.”

The Department of Justice is also doing their part in making sure all citizens are secure of any shape or form of discrimination. Victims of racism and discrimination and can now seek justice by filing a case at their nearest police station, or through the South African Human Rights Commission and the Equality Courts, as racism is a direct violation of the each and every South Africans’ Constitutional and Human Rights. The Department of Justice is in the process of finalising the National Action Plan against racism and Related Intolerances which will help combat racism within our country.

First democratically-elected president of South Africa, the late Nelson Mandela; Wikimedia Commons

Leave the past where it belongs

South Africa’s racially segregated past has left many citizens still living with the scars today, but it is no secret that we now live in a democratic country, since the first democratic election of late former president Nelson Mandela in 1994. Meaning that South Africa is governed by a constitution and law that applies to those who live within the borders of our country. We should be helping promote social cohesion and a peaceful co-existence, and not trying to revive apartheid.