Hate speech isn’t abstract, it’s lethal

South Africa is fortunate to possess a robust constitutional framework safeguarding freedom of expression while drawing clear boundaries against hate speech. This delicate balance isn’t merely theoretical, it demands vigilant stewardship to ensure that liberty doesn’t devolve into license for harm. 

In the Jewish community, we know all too well that hate speech often morphs into actions and can escalate into violence. We need look no further than the horror of the Bondi Chanukah Massacre in December 2025 for an example in which inflammatory rhetoric disguised as political or “legitimate critique” can fuel arson attacks, vandalism, threats, and ultimately a horrific tragedy. 

For us Jews, hate speech isn’t abstract, it has potentially lethal consequences. It’s precisely for this reason, that the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) holds as a core mandate the monitoring of such expressions and the referral of transgressions to our constitutional institutions and courts. In fact, we have a proud history of pursuing such cases before the South African Human Rights Commission and the Equality Courts, establishing important legal precedents and strengthening the safeguards against bigotry and racism. 

In this context, we are both encouraged and reassured to learn that, following an application made by the SAJBD two years ago, the Film and Publication Board (FPB) refused classification for an antisemitic film called Hebrews to Negroes, and ordered its removal from all platforms in South Africa. The film promotes dangerous antisemitic tropes, including the conspiracy theory that Jews are imposters with no legitimate connection to ancient Israel or Judaism; assertions that Jews were heavily responsible for the transatlantic slave trade; and other longstanding slurs such as Jewish control of the media and Holocaust denial. 

In refusing classification, the FPB has agreed with the SAJBD in its understanding that the film promotes racist stereotypes and unlawfully incites hatred against Jews, while ensuring that the right to freedom of expression doesn’t include harmful hate speech. This is a significant victory for the Board, and we are encouraged to see South Africa’s institutions and regulatory bodies standing up for our constitutional values and taking a firm stance against antisemitism. 

Unfortunately, the first few weeks of the year have been marked by two national tragedies. The severe flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga claimed at least 30 lives, displaced thousands of families, destroyed countless homes, decimated businesses in the area, and devastated critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Additionally, the national tragedy unfolding on our roads was compounded by the devastating 19 January head-on collision involving an unlicensed minibus taxi transporting schoolchildren which resulted in the deaths of 12 young students aged seven to 12, with several others left critically injured. The Vaal, where this incident occurred, holds special significance for SAJBD, as we have collaborated on so many initiatives in the region. We share in the grief, and extend our deepest condolences to all bereaved families and communities enduring these unimaginable losses. 

Finally, a hearty mazeltov to all of our 2025 matriculants who have passed their exams so well. Yasher koach! I want to make special mention of the village of Gwakwani, where in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, the Board has an ongoing project promoting education. The school has once again outperformed its previous best, and boasts a 95% pass rate with 24 Bachelors passes, which is quite remarkable and stands as a testament to what effective and collaborative initiatives can yield.