Cape Town - Pieter Hattingh has resigned as chief executive of Hattech Holdings after using the k-word on Facebook.
Hattingh will no longer be affiliated with the company after his former employees sent out a statement on Tuesday condemning his action.
Hattingh reacted to a recent farm attack by posting a comment that included the offensive term.
An internal Human Resource (HR) investigation is under way, read the statement. “Although his comment was made in a state of emotional anger, it does not, and never will, excuse the blatant racism that we all strive to eliminate in a country we all love and cherish for its equality and freedoms it gives to us,” said the statement.
Hattech Holdings said Hattingh’s comments and views were not shared by the company and does not reflect their views in any way and apologised for the harm and offence it caused.
Hattingh was attacked for his remarks with people calling for his resignation on Facebook.
Walter Raborife asked: “Why was he given an opportunity to resign before being dismissed?”
Khumo Le Lehumo wrote: “It is rather obvious that under his leadership at the company, black people were oppressed even though it was done in a subtle manner.
"If he owns shares in your company then his resignation means nothing. Crimen injuria charges will be brought against him.”
Hattingh apologised for his Facebook posting on Tuesday, saying he was not a racist.