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It is a matter of national embarrassment that, even as Ugandan MPs ready themselves to vote on a bill that could make homosexual acts punishable by lengthly jail times, South Africa continues to be represented in that nation by a man whose deeply homophobic and prejudiced views are a matter of public record.

Jon Qwelane is a notorious homophobe, who was responsible for launching a number of verbal assaults on gay and lesbian people in South Africa. He has publicly stated that he would “condemn and disown” his own children if they were gay. He has praised Robert Mugabe for his “unflinching and unapologetic stance over homosexuals”. It is shameful that Mr. Qwelane serves as our nation’s ambassador to this country, particularly at a time when South African representatives should be making it clear to our counterparts in Uganda that these disgraceful legislative proposals constitute an assault on fundamental human rights.

Instead of standing up against injustice, and promoting our constitutional values, the appointment of Jon Qwelane to Uganda has taken us backwards. We cannot in good conscience, as a nation all too familiar with the horrors of autocratic, oppressive laws, remain silent about the situation in Uganda; much less tacitly endorse it, as is presently the case. President Zuma should withdraw Jon Qwelane, and replace him with a representative who will be willing to engage vigorously to protect and promote human rights, and the values of our Constitution.