Coexistence must be reaffirmed

THE SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) held hearings into the looting and killings that took place in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July last year.

The hearings began last November. A submission titled “The July 2021 Unrest – Toward Nation-Building” was compiled and submitted to the SAHRC in January.

It was compiled by, among others, Ravigasen Pillay, the MEC of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs; Ela Gandhi, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi; Sharm Maharaj, the vice-chairman of the Phoenix Community Centre; and Yusuf Bhamjee, former uMgungundlovu District Municipality mayor. Bishop Rubin Phillip, Dr Faizal Suliman, the chairperson of the South African Muslim Network; Mbongeni Zuma, a Pietermaritzburg activist; Ashwin Trikamjee, the president of the SA Hindu Maha Sabha; Professor Paulus Zulu, of UKZN and former chairperson of the SABC board; Judge Barathanathan Pillay and Judge Navanethem Pillay endorsed the submission.

It was also endorsed by organisations including the Phoenix Ubuntu Forum, Linda Zama Foundation, Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre, Denis Hurley Centre and the Active Citizens Movement.

Last week the submission was presented before the SAHRC. The SAHRC hearings are yet to be finalised.

Below is an edited version of some of the points raised in the submission: