Spokesperson Vincent Moaga says the commission is considering such action following three complaints related to Bullard’s href=”https://www.thetimes.co.za/Columnists/Article.aspx?id=741855″ target=_blank mce_href=”https://www.thetimes.co.za/Columnists/Article.aspx?id=741855″last Sunday Times column, over which he was sacked.
Moaga says three complaints have been lodged with the commission about alleged racism, hate speech and hurtful speech.
The SAHRC at first said it would not investigate the complaints as Sunday Times had apologised for publishing the column. It subsequently released a statement that said it would pursue the matter.
“The Commission wishes to explore challenges of media accountability and responsibility, which are integral to this issue,” it reads.
Tseliso Thipanyane, CEO of the SAHRC, says it is not true that the commission has changed its mind – it was always the position that it would investigate the complaints. A staff member mistakenly made an earlier statement according to which the commission would not investigate the complaints.
Thipanyane says the complaints are being dealt with by the legal department, which will make a recommendation to the commission. This might include a recommendation to take the matter to the Equality Court.
He says although the complaints were lodged against Bullard, the Sunday Times might also “be taken to task”.
