Date: 08/04/2010
Source: The African Christian Democratic Party
Title: ACDP: Downs: Speech by the deputy president of the ACDP, on hate speech and racial incitement, in the KZN Legislature

Mr Speaker, I saw the Hon Premier at a function last night. The function was attended by some 4 000 people of mixed race, and these people had a common goal. The common goal was to save the orphans in this country. The aim was to raise money and put together villages to help orphans. When the Hon Premier and I greeted each other, we spoke about the terrible things that have been flying around this country - the threats, the words and the garbage. We both agreed that a function like the one we had last night could change the atmosphere of this country.

Mr Speaker, I must tell you that I am terribly concerned. The hate that is coming across from groups on Facebook is shocking. It is coming from all sides - not just from one race or another. Everybody is equally responsible. The hate speech and the inflammatory words are absolutely shocking! We in this House have to realise that words do indeed have consequences.

We need to make sure that each one of us is speaking responsibly. Mr Speaker, I want to tell you that Eugene Terre'Blanche is not the problem. Julius Malema is not the problem. These men are merely symptoms of a bigger problem, and I choose these two men because they have managed to completely polarise our society.

Our major trading partner in the European Union is England. Now, look at how some recent utterances and surrounding issues have stirred up things in our country. Major companies are now talking about disinvesting, and this is something which we cannot afford in this kind of recession we are facing! We are looking at the results of it in this province, Mr Speaker. We have reduced amounts of money and we do not have enough money to undertake the programmes which we would like to do.

There are headlines on the front pages of tabloids like The Daily Sun. I have them here on my computer. Here is one that reads: England Players: "World Cup at Risk". Here is another: England Players Risk being Panga'ed to Death. These headlines are on the front pages of newspapers in England, Mr Speaker. Our World Cup is in jeopardy.

I am appealing that this House makes a statement that we will not tolerate hate speech and racial incitement. I want us to say that all of us here agree to take responsibility to speak peace and not hatred. I want us to undertake that we will make every effort to have our disagreements be academic and political, and not aimed at persons. Really, I am deeply concerned about what is happening.

I also believe that we need a day of prayer. I can thank God that KwaZulu-Natal is less affected than some of the other provinces. In North West, in Limpopo and in Gauteng rumours of violence are flying around. Things that are being said are just too deeply shocking to behold. In KwaZulu-Natal - and I thank God for this -things are a little bit better.

However, because of my beliefs, I believe there is only one place we can turn to, sir, and that is to the Prince of Peace. I believe that Hon Members in this Legislature who are believers can get together and pray for peace in our country. We can agree that our beautiful country deserves much more than hatred, incitement to hatred and racial rhetoric. We have to protect our democracy at all costs.