JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 30: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Commander-in-chief (CIC) Julius Malema at the Constitutional Court to submit a court application in a bid to impeach President Jacob Zuma on March 30, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The EFF, joined by Cope and UDM filed an application to order the Speaker of Parliament to institute disciplinary proceedings against Zuma.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – MARCH 30: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Commander-in-chief (CIC) Julius Malema at the Constitutional Court to submit a court application in a bid to impeach President Jacob Zuma on March 30, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The EFF, joined by Cope and UDM filed an application to order the Speaker of Parliament to institute disciplinary proceedings against Zuma.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) are set to investigate a DA complaint lodged against Julius Malema for making “racist remarks”.
The DA took exception to two statements made by the leader of the EFF. One relates to a recent address during Youth Day, whereas the other relates to Juju’s language towards Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Athol Trollip.
In the complaint, the party also raise an issue with Floyd Shivambu. The deputy leader of the red berets came under fire recently for saying that Ishmail Momoniat “undermines African leadership” – this has been perceived as a racially-charged point by the DA.
What has Julius Malema said?
However, it is Malema who will fall under the scrutiny of the SAHRC. At an EFF Youth Day rally, he vented his anger at towards Indian citizens, telling the crowd:
“The majority of Indians are racist, and we must never be scared to say that. They are racist. The same thing applies to so some of the coloured brothers.”
Too far, Juju?
During the tumultuous campaign to unseat Athol Trollip from his role as mayor, Malema also threatened to “slit the throat of whiteness” in the Eastern Cape. DA Youth Federal Leader Luyolo Mphithi explained why this matter was escalated to the Commission:
“The DA strongly condemns these remarks and we are of the view that these utterances by Malema and Shivambu are prejudiced, divisive and have no place in a democratic society.”
“No South African should ever have to face the humiliation of such an assault on their dignity and it is now becoming evident that the EFF is not ready to govern a diverse society, such as South Africa.”
The SAHRC will now decide whether this is an issue that falls within their mandate. If they aren’t able to take the case on, the DA will have to pursue another legal organisation to hear their complaints.
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