Media Statements

Justice Department launches National Action Plan to combat racism, discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance

29 February 2016

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development officially launched the draft National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance during a consultative dialogue with key stakeholders in Cape Town today, 29 February 2016.

This consultative dialogue marks the commencement of public consultations to rally members of the society to make constructive inputs towards the final document of the National Action Plan that will be submitted to Cabinet for approval.

Opening the dialogue, Ms Nonkululeko Sindane, Justice and Constitutional Development Director-General urged all the representatives to be critical and constructive in their approach.

“We are here to perfect the National Action Plan so that we can deal with things that we might have overlooked  in the past. When we leave this place, we must come up with tangible outputs that will guide all of us to live in an ideal world where there is no racism and discrimination against one another,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by messages of support by Nelson Mandela Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sello Hatang, representatives from the United Nations, the European Union, trade unions, civil society and Chapter 9 institutions.

This engagement will be followed by provincial consultations to obtain wider inputs. 

It is envisaged that the National Action Plan will form the basis for the development of a comprehensive policy framework to fight the scourge of racism, discrimination and xenophobia.

The launch of the draft plan comes at an opportune time on the eve of Human Rights Month which will be held under the theme “No to Racism: Not in my name”.

Issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Enquiries: Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services
0836418141
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