27 June 2019

State capture whistleblower Angelo Agrizzi and the SA Human Rights Commission on Thursday inked a deal that will see him issue a public apology and pay up a hefty sum for his self-acknowledged racism.

 

Today, I come before you and in turn all my fellow South Africans to apologise for my deeply offensive and hurtful language.

I am acutely aware that we are 25 years into our democracy. I was a young man when Apartheid ended but I was old enough to have witnessed its devastating impact. I cannot claim ignorance of our history nor of the damaging connotations of this word; I know how bad things were and I know that even after all this time, the wounds are still raw.

I am deeply regretful that our country is still having to listen to apologies for this appalling language in 2019. We shouldn’t still be in this position and I realise that I am one of the people that has put us here; for this I am incredibly sorry.

I realise that my actions do no justice to our Constitution or our values as South Africans, and do not assist in the project of reconciliation.

Today I pledge that whether in my own home, or in public, I will remain vigilant in abolishing all words or actions that do damage or reopen wounds of the past. We cannot have two faces in South Africa, our behaviour and respect for others must be constant and must be consistent.   

In the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, I respect the way that this issue was dealt with before the Commission and I am truly sorry and remorseful for what happened. I believe that it is not the penalty or the amount which should be judged but the fact that I am truly remorseful for what was said and I wish to repeat my apology not only to the people themselves but to all South African people as whole. I hope that I can set an example to others that in this new dawn for South Africa such language will not be tolerated and that everyone should in fact strive to be decent and caring to their fellow South Africans.

The South African Human Rights Commission has chosen the Barney Mokgatle Foundation in Alexandra as the recipient of my R200 000 fine, which I pay gladly.

Mr Mokgatle was part of the youth uprising in 1976 which sought to fight and overcome inequality and oppression caused by Apartheid. With his permission, I would also very much like to visit his foundation and learn more from him.

To all my fellow South African’s I apologise once again for all the hurt caused and for separating us further through my actions. To all the media present, thank you for your time today.

 

 

 

 

 

Attention: Editors and Reporters

26 June 2019

Tomorrow, 27 June 2019, the Randburg Magistrates’ Court sitting as the Equality Court will hear the South African Human Rights Commission’s (“the Commission”) hate speech case against Mr Angelo Agrizzi. This application by the Commission follows Mr Agrizzi’s testimony at the State Capture Commission of Inquiry in which he admitted to using racial slurs.

11 June 2019

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has told a doctor at Mamelodi Hospital, Tshwane that his answers about what transpired when 76-year-old Martha Marais was restrained under a bench last month were contradictory.
The incident took place in the hospital casualty section.

11 June 2019

Staff shortages and a lack of beds are among the chief challenges faced by doctors and nurses at the Mamelodi Hospital.
Others problems include inadequate ventilation and no seclusion rooms for mentally ill patients.

11 June 2019

Infrastructure issues, staff shortages and a lack of beds are common problems at hospitals the commission visited.

14 June 2019

The facility came under the spotlight after 76-year-old Martha Marais was found tied to a steel bench on the cold floor two weeks ago.

19 June 2019

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is calling for a review of the laws relating to farm evictions.
Western Cape regional commissioner Chris Nissen says they've seen a dramatic rise in evictions in recent years.
I've just come from Knysna and a placed called Karatara where there are 18 families staying in a community hall.
— Rev. Chris Nissen, Western Cape regional commissioner - South African Human Rights Commission
Nissen says often the evictions fall under the radar.

20 June 2019

Two midwives had to care for 96 pregnant mothers during the day shift while three had to cope with 97 patients in the evening at Tembisa Hospital.

21 June 2019

Residents of Hammanskraal north of Pretoria will have to continue to drink water that is possibly unsafe while the Apies River remains polluted and obstructed.