The SAJBD and the SA Human Rights Commission

JEFF KATZ

In performing its core function of upholding the safety and civil rights of the Jewish community, the Board works closely with this body, which provides a crucial vehicle through which to address incidents of anti-Semitism.

The SAHRC process enables us to take up incidents that, while definitely requiring action of some kind, are not of so extreme and/or threatening a nature as to necessitate approaching the courts directly with all the trouble and expense that entails.

The SAHRC, however, does not provide for speedy, top-down rulings. In the first instance, the aim is to try to resolve the issues between the parties through an initial process allowing for a response and counter-response period followed by one aimed at conciliation.

Only once these stages have been passed without achieving resolution, will the matter be referred to the Commissioners for consideration and a ruling. In the event of non-compliance with the ruling, the matter will be referred to the Equality Court, whose decision is binding on all parties.

In the course of our own dealings with the SAHRC, it is important to note that all our complaints are followed through and ultimately brought to a satisfactory conclusion. 

Bodies like the SAHRC help prevent a culture of impunity concerning racist behaviour from taking root in South Africa, and provide fora in which both individuals and communities who feel that their right to dignity have been transgressed, to obtain redress. As such, they play a critical role in our society.

The reality, however, is that the SAHRC has a very heavy case load, therefore the Board is very discriminating when deciding which matters to refer to it. Generally, this means that instances of hate speech have to contain a clear element of incitement to cause harm to the Jewish community for us to take action. 

Honest, ethical conduct incumbent on all citizens 

Although it is essential to combat racism and prejudice, this is only one aspect of maintaining a healthy, functional society. Just as crucial is ensuring that fundamental standards of honesty, integrity, transparency and ethical behaviour are upheld. This obviously applies even more so to elected leaders, CEOs and public servants.

Today, we are confronted with a situation where these values have patently been betrayed in multiple ways and at all levels of governance and which clearly cannot be allowed to continue if South Africa is to succeed.

That being said, the duty to conduct one’s affairs in an honest and above-board manner, is incumbent not only on our leaders, but on all of us. As I have previously stressed in this column, we must ensure that we never lose our sense of integrity, particular at a time where there is so desperate a need to reinstate morality-based values in our society.

Members of our community should further see themselves as being ambassadors for the Jewish people, and for that reason strive to conduct all their affairs in a scrupulously honest and ethical manner at all times.  

•           Listen to Charisse Zeifert on Jewish Board Talk, 101.9 ChaiFM every Friday 12:00-13:00