Why is the SAHRC silent?

I NOTE with curiosity that the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is assessing the matter of Belinda Migor, the woman who made horrific and uncalled for racist remarks against our black compatriots in a WhatsApp voice note, with the intention of pursuing the matter further. That is highly commendable. A cursory preview of her comments warrant censure and legal action as they definitely constitute prima facie hate speech.

What concerns me about the action by the SAHRC is that during the July 2021 unrest, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, where many racist remarks were made by black citizens on public platforms against the Indian community that constituted both hate speech and an incitement to commit violence, the SAHRC remained docile, stoic and silent by virtue of inaction.

In particular, there was a Facebook posting by Khehla Mngwengwe, who had worked for Toyota SA.

He posted: “Wait until the army disappears and we will never forget nor forgive. We will make sure we triple by hundreds of what you did to inocent black people. You must know that you kulis will never rest (sic).”

The post went viral and was also reported in the media.

Why hasn’t the SAHRC pursued this matter with as much verve and vigour as they are with the Migor case?

Surely, both postings should demand the same treatment in the pursuance of litigation – unless it is simply to assuage a particular race group who are in the majority?

Equal and fair justice under the law should be the fundamental precept upon which the SAHRC should act in all matters.

Racism is racism is racism. It should not be diminished or colour-coded depending upon who the miscreants are that commit such abhorrent and bigoted acts.

The Penny Sparrow and Vicki Momberg cases come to mind – in the manner in which they were so fanatically and passionately pursued.

In the Mngwengwe case, I had to prefer charges of hate speech and incitement to violence in the Equality Court as my patriotic obligation demanded, not only on my behalf and that of the Indian community, but on behalf of all the law-abiding citizens of South Africa, who expressed equal revulsion and repugnance against racism. This came at great cost to myself.

Incidentally, I was a victim of the 2021 July unrest and was shot at, at virtually point-blank range and my