PRESS RELEASE
TO: All Media
ATT: News Editors, Human Rights Reporters
For immediate release
Tuesday, 2 August 2022
The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) condemns the incitement of violence against the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) and its staff by Councillor Nkululeko Mbundu, party representative of ActionSA and MMC for Economic Development in the City of Johannesburg
The Foundation for Human Rights condemns the threats by Councillor Nkululeko Mbundu directed at members of the South African Informal Traders Forum and their legal representative, SERI on the 28 July 2022.
Mbundu statement was malicious, xenophobic and endangered the lives of many people and goes against the Constitution which laid the foundations for a democratic and open society and every citizen is equally protected by law.
Mbundu has clearly abused his power as an MMC but this also comes as no surprise as his former Mayor of Johannesburg and leader of Action SA Herman Mashaba is openly xenophobic. We are aware that the City of Johannesburg has distanced itself from the statement by claiming that “someone or a groups of people in the City mishandled the reading and application of the provisions of a 2013 Constitutional Court judgement and subsequent 27 July 2022 court order”. However, his behaviour is still inexcusable.
FHR is a human rights organization and supports the human rights and social justice sector and stands with SERI. We call on MMC Mbundu to apologise and respect the rule of law guaranteed by the Constitution.
Media inquiries:
Lindiwe Sithole – 082 634 7154
