SAHRC Initiates Legal Proceedings Against Renaldo Gouws Over Racial Remarks

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has taken decisive action against suspended Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament, Renaldo Gouws, following the resurfacing of an old video in which he used derogatory language and racial slurs.

The SAHRC announced that it will pursue legal proceedings in the Equality Court in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) to address Gouws’ inflammatory remarks.

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In the video, which originally appeared on Gouws’ YouTube channel in March 2010, he can be heard making offensive statements, including calls for violence against black people. His use of racial slurs and hate speech has sparked outrage and prompted concerned citizens to petition for his removal from Parliament.

The SAHRC contends that Gouws’ utterances constitute hate speech and harassment, as defined by sections 10 and 11 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 2000 (PEPUDA).

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The Commission is empowered by section 13(3)(b) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013 (SAHRC Act) to initiate legal proceedings on behalf of individuals or groups.

Gouws’ position as a Member of Parliament amplifies the gravity of his alleged actions. As a public representative, he is expected to uphold the constitutional principles of human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.

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The SAHRC’s intervention underscores the importance of accountability and adherence to these fundamental values.

The DA has suspended Gouws with immediate effect, and he also faces disciplinary charges before the party’s Federal Legal Commission. An online petition calling for his removal from Parliament has garnered over 50,000 signatures.

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