SAJBD Condemns appointment of Thapelo Amad despite SAHRC finding

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) is deeply concerned by the appointment of Mr Thapelo Amad as MMC for Community Development in the City of Joburg.

Mr Amad was found to be in contravention of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and ordered to issue an unconditional apology. To date, he has not complied with this remedy.

It is wholly unacceptable for a person with a proven record of hate speech, who refuses to comply with the remedy issued by a respected Chapter 9 constitutional body, to hold public office.

This appointment sends a deeply troubling message to the residents of our city: that racism and hate speech are acceptable, and that one need not comply with the findings and remedies of constitutional bodies. Surely the role of MMC for Community Development, in particular, requires a demonstrated commitment to intercommunal respect, social cohesion, and the protection of all residents regardless of their background.

The SAJBD has written to Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero and called for Mr Amad to be removed from a position of leadership until he complies with the remedies set out by the Human Rights Commission.