The proposed legislation on Combating Racism was approved by the Cabinet on Monday. It will now be published in the Government Gazette for public commentary before it is authorized by Parliament. Racism is now a punishing crime and people can face heavy fines or imprisonment.
The trouble is how do you define “racism”? What can be considered as racist and what is “patriotism”? It’s a law that, as Langenhoven called it, “like a razor in the hands of a monkey”.
A most outstanding fact is that this legislation also coincides with the decision announced last year, for South Africa to withdraw from the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
If this law does apply to the people, contrary to prosecute the right to freedom of speech, the International community can do nothing about it.
It seems that this law can be applied in the same manner as the law on mixed marriages, or the Immorality Act, or the law on combating communism that was applied under the previous regime and which the international community regards as human rights abuses.
These two actions predict nothing good for us and indeed, we can expect big trouble.
Hence, it is really frustrating when you read the thoughtless remarks posted on social media by political garden gnomes who try to harvest where they did not sow and praise the decision reached by the ANC, which does not contribute to our well-being, and may not go together, while it might be appropriate for themselves.
At least we now know who, by his own admission, whom we must thank for the ridged road ahead.
It will be worthwhile only to learn to hold back on our words – a true Afrikaner in the community is worth more than ten in the cells.
“Read the original article in Afrikaans on Front Nasionaal SA – blad”
South Africa Today – South Africa News
