Ask anyone who knows me – I’m not a racist: Theunissen
The South African Human Rights Commission will investigate a Facebook post made by Capetonian Matthew Theunissen, in which he used racist language.
Theunissen’s post went viral over the long weekend, after the he went on a racist rant in reaction to sports minister Fikile Mbalula banning South Africa from hosting any international sports competitions.
Theunissen appeared on Cape Talk radio on Tuesday and said his rant was born out of frustration with the current politics in the country, as well as being unable to find work in the past year because he is white.
He insisted he was not a racist, and apologised for the comments, saying he would regret it for the rest of his life.
“I did type those words but I immediately regretted it. The language I used is extremely hurtful and inappropriate,” he said.
“I reacted by deleting the post. Unfortunately it got to everyone. I really didn’t intend to say those words, I will regret it for the rest of my life.”
Theunissen said that he was not referring to black South Africans at large – only government. He said he had many friends of colour.
Many South Africans have not been sympathetic, however, and Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille has taken that matter to the SAHRC.
The SAHRC said that cases of racism were a daily occurrence at the group noting that South Africans are still unlearning racism as we move forward.
“We do the best that we can as the Human Rights Commission to educate people through our outreach work and our clinics about the power of racism, about human rights and above all every South African has a right to dignity….it’s an ongoing process,” the group said.
The SAHRC is also set to hear a case about EFF MP, Nazir Paulsen referring to DA MP, Yusuf Cassim as a K-word in Parliament on Tuesday.
A number of South Africans have also expressed intent to take Rhodes Must Fall leader, Ntokozo Qwabe to the commission, for leading a white waitress to tears.
Qwabe posted to Facebook over the weekend that he and a group of friends proudly led their waitress to tears, saying they would tip her once she “returned the land” to them.
The post went viral on social media, resulting in a campaign which ultimately raised R140,000 in support of the waitress.
More on race in South Africa
EFF member uses the K-word in parliament
New funding campaign raises a small fortune for bullied waitress
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