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I have learned with shock and outrage at the brutal murder yesterday of Mr Eugene Terre'blanche.
 
Although I have no sympathy with the late Mr Terre'blanche's political views and role, the essence of our democracy is that we tolerate those with whom we disagree provided that they operate within the framework of the law and the spirit of our Constitution.
 
On 24 March 2010 I wrote to President Zuma about the increasingly inflammatory tone of the national debate and the role that the "shoot the boer" song was playing in this regard. I said that I was "deeply concerned that the activities and statements of the ANCYL are being exploited by right-wing extremists to further exacerbate inter-racial relations. All this is beginning to create a volatile atmosphere in which any additional intemperate statement or action might spark an unfortunate incident."
It remains to be seen whether the "shoot the boer" song played a role in Mr Terre'Blanche's murder. However, at the very least it may have contributed to an atmosphere in which impressionable young black farm workers might have felt that their actions were somehow justified. Mr Malema has said that he will continue to sing the "shoot the boer" song in defiance of the courts. He is now further exacerbating inter-community tensions by openly supporting the anti-white racism of President Mugabe and the ZANU-PF.
 
In my letter to President Zuma I made "a most serious and urgent appeal" to him "as the leader of our multicultural nation, to take the lead in moderating the tone of the national debate and in ensuring that it is conducted in a manner that promotes national unity and compliance with the letter and spirit of the Constitution."
I would like to renew that call and also support the calls by President Zuma and other leaders for calm. The law must now be allowed to take its course.
I should also like to express my sincere condolences to Mr Terre'blanche's family and friends.