EFF lodges complaint with Human Rights Commission over Johannesburg transport official’s social media post comparing illegal miners to slaughtered sheep.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has filed a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against Kenny Kunene, Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport, over alleged hate speech targeting miners.
EFF Secretary-General Marshall Dlamini submitted a 13-point letter to SAHRC Commissioner Rev Chris Nissen detailing how Kunene’s social media post violated South Africa’s Constitution. The post showed images of slaughtered and skinned sheep, drawing parallels to the fate of “illegal miners” under his party’s rule.
“His comments contain a serious threat to human life in that he threatens these miners with slaughtering, hanging and skinning,” Dlamini wrote in the complaint. He emphasized that the targeted individuals have not been convicted of any crimes.
The complaint cites multiple constitutional violations, including threats to human dignity, life, and freedom from violence. The EFF argues that Kunene’s statements could incite violence against mining communities.
Kunene, who serves as a public representative, has faced previous criticism for inflammatory remarks. The EFF demands immediate investigation, viewing the post as evidence of broader intentions to violate human rights.
The SAHRC had not responded to the complaint at the time of publication. Their handling of this case could set important precedents for balancing free speech with human rights protections in South Africa.
