SA cabinet condemns blatant racism distributed through social media

The South African cabinet on Thursday strongly condemned the blatant racism that was displayed by some individuals in the country, particularly on social network platforms.

"Such behaviour goes against the ethos of our Constitution, enshrined responsibilities and values, and violates the rights of our people," the cabinet said in a statement after a fortnightly meeting.

In particular, the cabinet lamented the racist comments attributed to a senior member of the Judiciary, the High Court Judge Mabel Jansen.

In a Facebook conversation with social justice activist Gillian Schutte last week, Jansen posted messages suggesting that rape is an ingrained part of black people's culture.

Jansen's comments have sparked outrage from members of the legal fraternity, political parties and ordinary South Africans.

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Michael Masutha has granted special leave to Judge Jansen following complaints over her racial remarks.

"The pronouncements especially by an esteemed member of the judiciary are not in keeping with what our society expects from members of the judiciary," the cabinet said.

It said the Judiciary should always act impartially and in a manner that is beyond reproach.

"Tolerance and respect has been a cornerstone of our struggle for freedom and remains an essential part of South Africa's democratic foundation. Let us unite again to jointly defeat the divisiveness of racism in our society," said the cabinet.

Jansen's remarks have added fuel to a new wave of racial tension that has gripped South Africa since the beginning of this year when Penny Sparrow, an estate agent, labelled black revelers on public beaches in Durban during the New Year as "monkeys".

South Africa's ruling African National Congress has laid charges of crimen injuria against Sparrow and other individuals for promoting racism on social media. Endit