Cape Town - The Oudtshoorn Municipality has opened an investigation into a racial slur allegedly made by a senior official on social media.
The hate speech, allegedly made by Vuyiswa Bhefile Ka Hlazo on Facebook, says: “You know I can’t wait for the day the majority of this country would say ‘we have tolerated enough your white s*** racist tendencies. This is our country and I pray my Ancestors must let me leave to experience that day. I will with no mercy cut their tongue out with a machete and I will enjoy to hear them begging for forgiveness and watch them cross the boarders with their belongings. We have tolerated enough and I really dream about the coming of such a day and hour my ancestors will spare me to see such a day (sic).”
Hlazo’s Facebook profile says he is a “manager” at the municipality. Spokesperson Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe confirmed that the man is a municipal official.
Oudtshoorn administrator Kam Chetty said they were busy “authenticating” the author of the post.
“We view the contents of the comment made seriously and upon authenticating the author of this message we will follow internal disciplinary procedures accordingly.”
He said the municipality does not share the sentiments expressed by the author of the message and should investigations confirm the statement was issued by a municipal official, the municipality would take disciplinary action.
“Our constitution is clear, that South Africa, and the greater Oudtshoorn, belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity. The most effective way to counter such statements is to reinforce the values of democracy and human rights that it threatens.
“The Oudtshoorn Municipality’s vision emphasises the importance of social cohesion, tolerance, human rights, equality and justice. We all - councillors, staff, community organisations, business leaders, the media and other public figures - have a particular responsibility in this regard to ensure that we promote these values to build a democratic, inclusive, sustainable and prosperous Oudtshoorn.”
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