The letter follows a number of complaints received by the Commission regarding the proposed entry of Pastor Anderson into South Africa, which complaints are directed against both the Minister and Pastor. The complaints received detail instances where Pastor Anderson is reported to have in the past expressed hateful, harmful and/or hurtful statements toward members of the LGBTI community as well as members of the Jewish and Muslim communities.
In order to assess the complaints received as contemplated in articles 12(5) and 12(6) of the Commission’s Complaints Handling Procedures, the Commission has requested a detailed report from the Department on its determinations and intended future response in this matter. In particular, the Department is to provide the Commission with information regarding:
- The decision of the Director-General and/or the Minister, under either section 29 or section 30 of the Immigration Act, which regulates entry of certain persons into South Africa.
- The reasons for the decision of the Department and the legal framework, policies and/or protocols relied on by the Department in arriving at its decision.
- The status of the matter in the Department as well as its anticipated next steps, and timeframes for the implementation of these actions.
The Department is to respond to the Commission by 28 July 2016. A copy of the letter may be accessed here.
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission.
Kindly direct media queries regarding this letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact SAHRC Spokesperson Gail Smith on 060 988 3792