By Peter Ejiofor
London, May 12, 2024: Nigerians in South Africa have commended the South African government for taking decisive action to prevent and combat hate crimes and hate speech and promote harmonious coexistence in the society by enacting a law.
Nigerians, under the aegis of Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), commended the government following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing into law on May 8, 2024, the country’s Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill.
The union said on Sunday in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Habib Miller, that NUSA welcomed the landmark legislation which was a significant step forward in addressing the scourge of hate crimes and hate speech that had plagued the society for far too long.
In a historic development, President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill into law, after almost two decades of advocacy and five months after it was passed by Parliament.
The Presidency by signing into law the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, makes hate crimes and hate speech jailable criminal offences for the first time in South Africa.
The new law aims to prevent hate crimes and hate speech by providing for effective enforcement measures and the gathering and recording of data on hate crimes and hate speech.
This legislative measure gives effect to South Africa’s obligations in terms of the Constitution and international human rights instruments concerning racism, racial discrimination, Xenophobia, and related intolerance.
This brings South Africa in line with several other countries, including Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Spain, and the U.S. that have some form of hate crime and/or hate speech laws.
“As an organisation representing the interests of Nigerians living in South Africa, we have witnessed firsthand, the devastating impact of hate crimes and hate speech on our community.
“We commend the South African government for taking decisive action to prevent and combat these harmful acts, and for promoting a culture of tolerance, understanding, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, nationality, or other characteristics.
“We are particularly pleased that the law excludes artistic creativity, academic inquiry, fair reporting, and religious expression from the ambit of hate speech, ensuring that freedom of expression is protected, while also preventing harm and incitement to violence,’’ Miller said.
It added:We urge all South Africans to embrace this law and work together to build a society that values diversity and promotes inclusivity.
“We also call on the South African Police Service and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of this law, and to provide necessary training and resources to combat hate crimes and hate speech.
“Let us all work together to create a society where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.’’
