The Christian Democratic Party (CDP) on Thursday called on the ruling ANC to use Reconciliation Day to withdraw its appeal on the declaring of the song “Dubula iBhunu” as hate speech.
Translated from isiZulu it means “Shoot the Boer”.
“If the ANC stands by its decision to fight for the singing of a song causing immeasurable polarisation in the country, the ANC’s celebration of the Day of Reconciliation will be a farce,” CDP leader Theunis Botha said in a statement.
“There can be no doubt that (suspended ANC Youth League president) Julius Malema’s singing of the song and the ANC’s decision to judicially side with him, has caused the country much harm.”
Earlier this month Malema filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal against a court ruling that he had been guilty of hate speech.
The High Court in Johannesburg convicted him in September after lobby group AfriForum took him to court for singing the song.
Judge Colin Lamont granted Malema leave to appeal. Lamont held that the words undermined the dignity of people and were discriminatory and harmful.
The matter was expected to be on the court roll for the sitting in September next year.
Botha said President Jacob Zuma’s “continued blatant usage of religion in a way in which he seemingly attempts to utilise the Lord as his political tool, also offends many”.
“Our call to the people of South Africa is to consider Reconciliation Day as a pinnacle in preparation for Christmas where not only the commandment of love for the neighbour is highlighted, but also to God.
“In both instances every day in South Africa should be a day of reconciliation.” – Sapa