The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) says it is concerned about reports about language being used in public that may incite racial hostility and urges the public to desist.
In a press release the ERC advised the public “that the use of any language tending to excite ill-will against a person’s race, is a breach of (the) Racial Hostility Act” of the Constitution. The group said it is mandated to discourage and prohibit persons, institutions, political parties and associations from indulging in, advocating or promoting discriminatory practices on the grounds of ethnicity. In keeping with this the ERC said it “will recommend that stiff sanctions” be meted out to any official who wilfully incites racial hostility.
Additionally, the ERC said the use of such language is not in the best interest of harmony and good relations among the country’s ethnic groups. It said too it is interested in seeing equal opportunity for all citizens and urges all public officials to be impartial when executing their duties.
