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The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) has found itself at the center of a controversy surrounding its slogan, "One Settler, One Bullet." The South African Human Rights Commission has lodged a court application against the PAC, raising critical questions about freedom of speech, historical legacies, and the role of Chapter 9 institutions.
The contentious slogan, "One Settler, One Bullet," has deep historical roots in South Africa's liberation struggle. It emerged during a tumultuous period when the country was fighting against apartheid, a brutal system of racial segregation. While for some, the slogan represents a call for justice and resistance against oppression, it has also been associated with violence and has drawn criticism for its potentially harmful connotations.
PAC has received court application against its slogan “One Settler, One Bullet”
— Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) (@MyPAConline) September 14, 2023
Will king Dingane "Bulala bathakathi" follow?
Chapter 9 institutions are being weaponised to obliterate our memory, revolutionary legacy & fight africans.
One settler! One bullet!! is our heritage. pic.twitter.com/PCBwYIaAeQ
1. Removal of the Slogan from Social Media Platforms: The Commission has requested that the PAC remove the slogan "One Settler, One Bullet" from all of its social media platforms.
2. Interdiction Against Advocating Violence: Another crucial aspect of the application seeks to prevent the PAC from making statements that advocate violence or harm against white South Africans. This includes the use of the contested slogan.
3. Formal Apology: The Commission is demanding that the PAC issue a written, unequivocal, unconditional, and unqualified apology to all South Africans for having used the slogan. The apology is to be published on the PAC's social media accounts, its official website, and in a national Sunday newspaper.
4. Financial Compensation: The application further calls for the payment of damages in the form of an award (R300,000.00) to an organization identified by the Commission, focused on promoting non-racialism.
5. Referral for Criminal Proceedings: The matter may also be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for the possible initiation of criminal proceedings.
6. Legal Costs: The PAC may be required to cover the legal costs associated with these proceedings.
This legal challenge brings to the forefront important questions about the balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility to prevent hate speech and incitement to violence. It also underscores the complex legacy of South Africa's struggle for liberation and the role of political slogans in shaping the nation's history.
The PAC has released a media statement in response to these developments. The outcome of this case will not only have implications for the PAC but also for broader discussions about historical slogans and their place in contemporary South Africa. It remains to be seen how the court will weigh these competing interests in the pursuit of justice and reconciliation.
