ANC KZN slams 'racist and ignorant' TikTok video targeting Indian South Africans
ANC warns of social cohesion threat after TikTok claims Indians "have another country to go to."
Image: Facebook
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has slammed a TikTok video circulating online which claims that South Africans of Indian origin 'have another country to go to,' calling the remarks racist, inflammatory and a direct threat to social cohesion in the province.
"This reckless and ignorant statement has no place in our democracy and directly undermines the values upon which our nation was founded," party spokesperson, Fanle Sibisi said.
He added that South Africa is a constitutional democracy built on equality, dignity and non-racialism, and that attempts to pit communities against one another are 'profoundly offensive' and 'deeply unjust.'
According to the party, social media content of this nature fuels division and risks inciting hostility among racial groups. It warned that KwaZulu-Natal, having experienced painful episodes of racial conflict in the past.
"It is unfortunate that these reckless statements were apparently triggered by our patriots' appreciative response to an act of solidarity by the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi, for attending the recently held G20 Summit in the face of clear detractors who did not want the Summit to succeed.
"Prime Modi's attendance and the response of South Africans to his visit underscored the long-standing solidarity between India and South Africa, including India's prominent role in the fight against apartheid, which should never be distorted or ridicule," Sibisi said.
He further reminded the public that hate speech falls outside the protection of freedom of expression, saying: "The ANC also reminds the public that hate speech is not protected under freedom of expression."
Welcoming widespread condemnation from civil society, academics and community leaders, the organisation stressed the need for responsible online conduct.
"South Africa needs constructive dialogue rooted in truth and responsibility, not sensational online content designed to provoke anger and divide communities."
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