STAFF REPORTER
Mayor Patricia de Lille has referred a comment on social media to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for further investigation after a Noordhoek resident angrily commented on Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula’s ban South African netball, cricket, athletics and rugby associations sports associations from hosting major international events until they meet transformation targets.
Matt Theunissen, who the Cape Times reports lives in Noordhoek, according to his LinkedIn profile, took to social media on Monday, making his comments on Facebook, his account now seemingly deactivated.
The post read: “So no more sporting events for South Africa… I’ve never been more proud than to say our government are a bunch of K*****S…yes, I said it so go and fuck yourselves you black fucking cunts.”
A screengrab containing the racist terms and sentiments was posted on Twitter and by the next morning it became the most commented on tweet on the network, including comments by DA leader Mmusi Maimane and the mayor.
“As part of the Inclusive City Campaign, we are mobilising the voices of the majority who are not racist to speak out and condemn all forms of racism and discrimination and to say: ‘Don’t let racists speak to for you’,” said Ms De Lille.
Ms De Lille said Mr Theunissen’s racial slurs were “despicable”.
“I condemn these comments as there is no place for racism in our society. We are healing from the division and our painful past and we remain committed to fighting the scourge of racism and bringing about unity and inclusivity.”
She said Mr Theunissen had to understand that “racism is hurtful and we live in a democracy where we are all equal and no one can discriminate, disrespect or infringe on anyone’s rights or dignity.
“We cannot allow people to get away with making these derogatory remarks as there are laws and processes to ensure that racists are brought to book.”
Talking to John Maytham on Cape Talk on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Theunissen said that he had made the biggest mistake of his life. He admitted typing the words but had “immediately regretted it”.
His anger had been towards the government and he apologised to everyone for his “extremely hurtful and inappropriate” language. He would be contacting the (SAHRC) to deal with the matter.
– Additional reporting by Cape Times
