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The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development led a successful Anti-Racism Week march from Alroe Park to Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today. The march was part of the activities that are aimed at supporting the anti-racism week which commenced 14 March 2016.

The department partnered with among others the Office of the Public Protector, Commission for Gender Equality, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, the Mbombela Municipality, the National Prosecuting Authority, the South African Council of Churches and other civil society organisations in condemnation of racism and inequality in all its forms.

The march sought to mobilise the society to stand against racism and highlight the various redress avenues available for them when encountered with racism related incidents. A memorandum was handed over to the acting Chief Magistrate in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court, Ms. Annamarie Van Der Merwe.

Representatives from the Department and stakeholders who had attended the march signed a pledge to work together in the fight against racism and unfair discrimination and to promote equality in our society. Public members were informed of their constitutional rights and encouraged to add contribution in strengthening the country’s international standing as a human rights-based society.

The department also took the opportunity to raise awareness on the draft National Action Plan to combat Racism, Xenophobia and Related intolerances. It also called on all public members to add their inputs on the draft National Action Plan which has been published on the departmental website for public consultation purposes.

Various Anti- Racism Week activities are to continue until National Human Rights where the Department of Education will officially hand over the torch of peace to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Issued by Department of Justice and Constitutional Development