Law Society disappointed with the racist rhetoric

The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) is disappointed with the racist rhetoric after the violence, looting and destruction of property and the consequent loss of lives that our country recently experienced.

The old slogan of one bullet against a sector of our community has taken an alarming change by including Indians. Our country cannot be divided by racist branding and slogans that intend to divide and polarise our society.

The LSSA calls on the authorities and the South African Police Service to take decisive action and charge the alleged perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law.

Despite indications that the statement was withdrawn, the call’s damage and potential action cannot be easily undone.

Our country has started the clean-up, assistance to the vulnerable, and rebuilding business and employment lost. We cannot allow the division of people, as we should unite to heal our country and our communities.

In considering the future, we all need to reflect and contribute to how we change our society to enable our people to have a decent standard of living, meaningful employment and live in an equal community.

In the context of high unemployment, poverty, economically disenfranchised youth, and inequality, the last few weeks’ events beg the question of how we move forward.

 

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA, JAN VAN RENSBURG 

LSSA Communications:

Nomfundo Jele nomfundom@LSSA.org.za  Tel: (012) 366 8800 or 072 402 6344