Staff Writer / Sun, 15 February 2026
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has dismissed a hate-speech complaint lodged by AfriForum against Dr Pedro Mzileni and the University of the Free State (UFS).
The complaint related to a guest lecture presented to second-year LLB students on 25 July 2023, titled Colonialism, Social Justice and Constitutionalism. AfriForum alleged that remarks made during the session were divisive, inflammatory and targeted at white and minority students.
However, after reviewing submissions from both parties including recordings, transcripts, lecture slides and witness statements the Commission found that the allegations were not substantiated.
According to the SAHRC’s investigative report, students who attended the lecture described it as academic and informative. The Commission noted that claims that certain racial groups were labelled as “enemies” were not corroborated by those present at the session.
The Commission also raised concerns about the authenticity and admissibility of an audio recording submitted as evidence, stating that it could not be properly verified.
In its findings, the SAHRC emphasised that both freedom of expression and academic freedom are protected under the Constitution. It concluded that there was no clear intention to incite harm or promote hatred, and that the lecture content fell within the bounds of legitimate scholarly debate.
As a result, the Commission determined that the complaint did not meet the legal threshold for hate speech under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.
The report, signed by acting provincial manager Thonoko Modise, confirms that the complaint against both Dr Mzileni and UFS has been dismissed.
AfriForum retains the right to seek a judicial review of the decision within 180 days should it wish to challenge the outcome.
Following the ruling, Dr Mzileni reacted on social media, saying: “We defeated the enemy on this battlefield, and today the national website of the SAHRC has published the details of the case.”
News Junction (Gold Standard)
We know that Africa Forum is a tool of colonialist designed to give the enemy an upper hand in their devilish deeds. It’s very unfortunate of them they could buy the commissioner this time around.
Africa Forum’s behaviour proves that they(minority) as they prefer to be labeled when it suits them are ashamed of their ancestors’ deeds.