Roets to report South Africans over negative Charlie Kirk posts

THINK tank Lex Libertas (formerly Pioneer Initiative) executive director Ernst Roets has come under fire for creating a “study” to track and report social media users to their employers for inciting violence in South Africa following the assassination of US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

- XOLILE MTEMBU

According to Roets, a preliminary investigation shows that the past week has seen a sharp rise in the glorification of murder, death threats, and incitement of violence across the country.

“There should be consequences for the celebration and incitement of violence. Whether disciplinary action is taken, is up to employers to decide. Yet appropriate action can only be taken if employers have access to the relevant information,” he said.

Roets added that the project aligns with Lex Libertas’ long-term mission.

“Lex Libertas seeks to promote a viable political dispensation for the peoples of South Africa through the decentralisation of the political system and the promotion of self-governance.”

But the move has also triggered strong backlash.