Facebook racist opens old wounds

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Published Feb 6, 2013

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Johannesburg -

A Facebook user has called for a celebration of the drowning of 42 white children 28 years ago, The Times newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Zama Khumalo, 24, told his 493 friends on the social website he would send out an invitation to a “Big Black Braai” to celebrate the deaths of 42 children when their school bus plunged into Westdene dam, Johannesburg, on March 27, 1985.

The braai would be on the anniversary of the disaster and there would be DJs and fireworks, the newspaper reported.

According to the newspaper, Katherine Shaddock was shocked to learn that her half-sister's death would be celebrated. Her half-sister, Mary-Ann Miles, in Grade 11 at the time, was one of the victims.

Khumalo posted the names of 24 of the 42 victims with the comment that their deaths were “much appreciated, my Lord!”.

He claimed to be a journalist for the Daily Sun newspaper. The paper's management distanced itself from Khumalo and said he was no longer employed there.

SA Human Rights Commission spokesman Isaac Mangena told The Times the commission had not received a formal complaint, and that the post was “on the face of it, full of hatred for another race”.

Khumalo changed his tune on Saturday and apologised.

“I have taken time to consider and reflect on the Westdene post that I made earlier this week… the matter has been such huge pressure… I received inbox threats,” he wrote on his page.

“I heartily apologise and deeply regret the post… ” - Sapa

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