EFF councillor finally says ASKIES!

THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor who wanted to "moer the boere" has apologised.

Councillor Obakeng Ramabidu, who's the newly elected MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management in Tshwane, has issued a public apology for his remarks during a council sitting in July 2024.

During a disruption at one of the council meetings, Ramabodu said: "I'd be happy to moer a boere. I want the blood of an Afrikaner."

But this didn't sit well with some council members, and a complaint was filed with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), accusing him of hate speech.

The SAHRC said its Gauteng office investigated the matter and concluded that there were prima facie violations of human rights based on the evidence submitted by the complainants.

SAHRC spokesman Wisani Baloyi said Ramabodu accepted the findings and recommendations by the commission that he should apologise to the public.

Baloyi said the respondent undertook to refrain from, by word and deed, conducting himself in a manner associated with hateful speech and or racism in the form complained about.

Part of Ramabodu's unconditional apology reads: "I specifically wish to apologise to the Afrikaner community for my remarks. My words were hurtful and inappropriate, and I deeply regret any pain they may have caused."

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He further said his remarks were unlawful and contrary to the values of respect and dignity that he strives to uphold.

"I'm committed to learning from this incident and making amends.

"I wish to extend my heartfelt apologies to anyone who felt threatened or hurt by my words. I understand the importance of fostering a culture of respect and am committed to turning this incident into a learning experience, both for myself and my community," said Ramabodu.

The councillor is not the only person who found himself on the receiving end of the SAHRC.

TikToker John Lloyd was reported to have published and spread the term "houtkoppe" on several TikTok live videos published on his page.

John's apology read: "I did not have the intention of offending anybody, but I now acknowledge that the term is hateful and offensive, and I undertake to not use the term again."

Baloyi said the commission is recommending that the public accept this apology and reminds members of the public of the responsibility that comes with exercising one's right to freedom of expression.