The civil rights organisation AfriForum today expressed its reservations over the bill on the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes (the bill) that was approved by the cabinet yesterday.

Although AfriForum strongly feels that racism must be combated, the organisation is concerned that the bill may possibly be applied in a selective manner, as it would seem from various statements by ANC spokespersons.

Ernst Roets, Deputy CEO of AfriForum, says the ANC already proved that it cannot distinguish between state and party. “The ANC is an active role player in the racism debate. If the state starts to regulate racism – which is a social issue – it would essentially mean that the ANC would be both role player and referee.”

Roets continues to add that it is a bad idea for governments to meddle in the regulating of social issues.

“Racism is indeed a big problem, but there are much bigger problems that must be addressed. AfriForum believes racism in truth is the symptom of many other problems, and if the education system, crime, political leadership and unemployment receives more attention, racism by implication would be less of a problem.”

AfriForum will study the draft bill and participate in the consultation processes.

Issued by Afriforum