Cabinet okays hate Bill publication

… And welcomes resumption of classes at many universities across the country

Cabinet has approved the publishing of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, said on Thursday.

Briefing reporters following Cabinet’s fortnightly meeting, Minister Radebe said the bill will be published for public comment.

“The bill seeks to create the offences of hate crimes and hate speech, and to put in place measures to prevent and combat these offences.

“The aim is to address the increasing number of racial incidents and to further address other types of criminal conduct motivated by bias, prejudice or intolerance in the form of hate crimes and hate speech, which have occurred recently,” said Minister Radebe.

This is aligned to the National Development Plan, which highlights the need for sustained campaigns against racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia. It also seeks to ensure that all people are and feel safe.

In August, the department of justice and constitutional development – in its national statement in introduction of the South African periodic report to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Geneva – said the country had seen an increase in the manifestation of hate speech and hate crimes.

The Bill creates offences of hate crimes and hate speech.  For example, a hate crime is committed if a person commits any recognised offence that is a common law or statutory offence (referred to as the “base crime or offence”) and the commission of that offence is motivated by unlawful bias, prejudice or intolerance.

Meanwhile Cabinet has welcomed the resumption of classes in many universities and urged all students to return to class.

“This is a critical period for the academic programme with examinations around the corner. Government believes that the concerns of students can be addressed through dialogue while the academic programme is underway,” said Minister Radebe.

Addressing the media during a post Cabinet briefing in Pretoria, on Thursday, Minister Radebe said Cabinet remains concerned at the outbreak of violent student protests on some university campuses around the country. –SAnews.gov.za