You ask, Deputy Minister answers
Justice and Constitutional Development deputy minister Mr John Jeffrey answered locals' questions.
WHITE RIVER – Lowvelder’s readers often contact the paper with questions about justice in South Africa. Some feel that our courts don’t do enough to protect human rights.
On Thursday, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr John Jeffrey, addressed locals on the country’s plan to combat racism, xenophobia and similar problems. Mr Jackson Mzila of the city’s South African Council for Human Right’s addressed issues experienced when the human rights of locals have been infringed.
Lowvelder made use of the opportunity to gain answer on some of our readers’ frequently asked questions.
Q: Do many people assume that only white people can be racist?
A: According to Nzila, this assumption is frequently made. “People who think that being racist is a whites-only thing are wrong. Discrimination is discrimination. It goes both ways.”
Q: Will racists ever be considered criminals and punished?
A: “We are looking at a Hate Crimes Bill, which would include hate speech,” Jefferys said.
Q: Armed police officials often attend riots, yet they just stand back and watch the show. Why don’t they mobilise? Why don’t they use their weapons?
A: “The police are allowed to use force, but they may only use violence when their lives are in danger. They used weapons at the Marikana massacre after people were killed,” he said.
Q: When discussing policy, should we not be less liberal in offering rights and freedom? Why should I respect the guy next to me if he is not respecting his neighbour?
A: “There are people in society who reason that ‘I want something and I don’t care if my wants hurt others’. In some cases, they are arrested, prosecuted and jailed, but it doesn’t seem to affect them. However, we still strive to be just when making our policies.” Jeffery acknowledged that this question has been a burning one and remains relevant.
Q: How can we fix what’s wrong with our country?
A: “Our situation is the result of past mistakes to a great extent. We must look at communities and do what we can to improve what we can in order to promote justice.
