Politicians unite against racism in viral video incident

HATE SPEECH

- YOSHINI PERUMAL yoshini,[e-mail]

POLITICAL leaders have called out a former airline employee for “racist remarks” about Indian people, which was captured in a video circulating on social media.

@ Haniff Hoosen, the DA’s mayoral candidate for eThekwini, said this type of racial outbursts, which are “becoming more prevalent”, must be rejected and exposed.

“We strongly condemn the racist remarks made in the video circulating online. There is no place for hate speech of any kind in our country. Our diversity is our greatest strength and we must stand together against all forms of racism, whether directed at black, Indian, white or coloured South Africans. We urge leaders and residents alike to reject division and work toward building a respectful, united community.

“We recognise that the large majority of South Africans want to live in a society that is free from racial division and hatred, but there will always be a small group of people who will continue to stoke the flames of racial division in our communities. When this happens, we must all add our voices in condemnation of this unacceptable behaviour as it would be the only way to build a society free from racial division and hatred.”

Hoosen said he was convinced that the woman’s behaviour did not reflect the views of the majority of people in the country.

“Tt is for this reason that we should avoid reacting in the same irresponsible manner as the individual concerned,” he said.