‘Racism on social media a concern’

DA national spokesman Mmusi Maimane. Photo: Ziphozonke Lushaba

DA national spokesman Mmusi Maimane. Photo: Ziphozonke Lushaba

Published May 8, 2012

Share

The SA Human Rights Commission has received 45 complaints against model Jessica Leandra Dos Santos after her racist tweet.

The commission, however, said it received none against actress Tshidi Thamane who has also sparked a furore with her racist tweet in response to Dos Santos.

Dos Santos tweeted on Thursday last week: “Just, well took on an arrogant and disrespectful k***** inside Spar. Should have punched him.”

Thamane, in response, tweeted:

“Dear Mr Peter Mokaba?? I wish all whites had been killed when you sang Kill the Boer, then we wouldn’t have to experience @JessicaLeandra’s racism.”

Commission spokesman Vincent Moaga said the body observed with concern the abuse of social media to perpetuate discrimination.

“The commission is currently processing several complaints relating to remarks that Ms Jessica Leandra dos Santos posted on Twitter. In addition, the commission has received complaints relating to racist remarks that have been made by others on Facebook,” Moaga said.

The DA said it was “angry and disappointed at the naked display of racism” online following racist tweets from Dos Santos and Thamane.

Mmusi Maimane, DA national spokesman, has written an open letter to the two.

Both apologised after coming under pressure from other Twitter users. Both said they had tweeted in anger.

Dos Santos deleted her tweets, but lost all her sponsorships and was stripped by FHM magazine of her Model of the Year award 2011.

On Monday, when the Cape Argus searched for Thamane onTwitter, she had removed her @tshidtee account.

Maimane said he knew that both women had apologised “but the damage has been done”.

“The efforts of Nelson Mandela and so many others to reconcile our nation have been dealt a severe blow. I don’t believe that either of you are truly racist

… As role models, you now have an… opportunity to show SA what true reconciliation is all about… if the two of you were to meet up and talk,” Maimane said.

[email protected]

Cape Argus

Related Topics: