Media Monitoring Africa (“MMA”) welcomes the opportunity to provide this submission to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services on the Prevention and
Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill (“the Bill”). We recognise the Bill arises in the context of South Africa’s deep and lasting injustices, which cut along the contours of social difference, including racism, patriarchy, classism, ableism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, and other ills. It is accordingly important for South Africa to have a clear and
effective legal framework for addressing hate crimes and hate speech while ensuring appropriate protections for freedom of expression and other constitutional rights.