The Kimberley Prospector

SOUTH AFRICA – Renaldo Gouws has raised an important question: where is the IEC South Africa in the face of threats and violence from a political party? Gouws’ comment comes after The Cape Independent reported that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) had issued a threat to a Jewish school, demanding its closure and implying the use of violence if their demands were not met.

This incident follows Julius Malema’s recent threats against South African businesses, demanding the removal of Israeli products from store shelves. The EFF’s actions against the Jewish community and their businesses in South Africa are deeply concerning. While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it is essential to note that hate speech is not protected by the Constitution.

In light of this, several steps can be taken to address this issue. One approach is to report the EFF’s actions to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). As a constitutional body responsible for protecting and promoting human rights, the SAHRC can investigate the EFF’s actions and provide recommendations to the relevant authorities.

Another avenue for action is to report the EFF’s actions to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The IEC is responsible for regulating elections in South Africa and can conduct investigations into the party’s actions, potentially taking disciplinary measures if they find violations of the Electoral Act.

Filing a complaint with the police is also an option. The police can investigate the EFF’s actions and determine if they have committed any criminal offences. Additionally, individuals or businesses affected by the EFF’s actions may consider taking civil action against the party.

Raising awareness about the EFF’s actions and speaking out against hate speech is crucial. Social media, public protests, and other forms of advocacy can be used to raise awareness and express solidarity with the Jewish community.

To effectively respond to the EFF’s actions, it is advised to remain calm and avoid engaging with them directly, as they often seek to provoke reactions. Documenting their actions through screenshots, recordings, or written records is important for gathering evidence. Reporting their actions to social media platforms, which have policies against hate speech and abuse, is also recommended.

Supporting Jewish people and businesses in South Africa is essential. Letting them know that they are not alone and standing against the EFF’s hateful behaviour is crucial.

It is vital to remember that the EFF’s actions do not represent the majority of South Africans. The vast majority of South Africans are tolerant, inclusive, and will not allow the EFF to divide their unity.

https://www.capeindependent.com/article/eff-threatens-jewish-school-demands-alan-winde-shut-it-down