Hate speech: what it means and how Daily Africa Global News covers it

Hate speech spreads fast and hurts people, communities and public life. Here we explain what counts as hate speech, how we report on it, and what you can do when you see it.

Hate speech is language that attacks people based on race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other protected traits. It includes slurs, threats, calls for exclusion, and praise for violence.

Laws and standards vary across African countries, but most have rules against speech that incites violence or discrimination. As a news site we balance free expression with the need to expose harmful ideas without amplifying them. We remove direct hate speech from comments, label sensitive material in reports, and give context so readers understand cause and effect.

How we cover hate speech

Our reporters follow three rules: name the harm, avoid repeating slurs, and cite reliable sources. We explain who is targeted, what the consequences are, and how authorities respond. When a case affects public safety, we check police reports, court records and statements from community leaders.

What you can do

See hate speech online? Do three things: don't share the post, take screenshots, and report it to the platform. If you feel threatened, contact local police and keep any messages as evidence. For community harm, reach out to local groups, mediators, or human rights organisations who handle intergroup conflicts.

Want to help stop hate speech? Share respectful content, correct false claims politely, and support victims publicly. Small actions by many readers make a big difference.

Why this tag matters on Daily Africa Global News. We track stories that show how words lead to real harm—protests, court cases, or community efforts to heal. Use this tag to find all hate speech reporting, analysis, and guides in one place.

If a story under this tag needs correction, email our newsroom with your evidence. We welcome community tips and will investigate responsibly.

Resources: links to legal help, hotlines and digital safety guides are available on our site. Look for 'hate speech' under tags or contact our editors for direct support.

We aim to keep readers informed and safe while reporting the truth. Follow this tag for updates from across Africa and practical advice when hate speech appears near you.

Example: if a politician uses dehumanising language about an ethnic group, we report the quotes, explain local laws, and link to community responses. We do not publish slurs without context and we warn before sensitive audio or video.

Platform reporting checklist: find report button, choose 'hate speech', attach screenshots, add a short note and send. Keep records of your report ID and follow up if nothing changes.

If you work for a school, workplace or community group, turn troubling speech into teachable moments: host a talk, set clear rules, and give safe reporting channels. Contact us for story tips, especially if hate speech led to violence or legal steps.

Your voice matters. Report what you see. Share trusted articles and protect vulnerable people online.

South African MP Renaldo Gouws Faces Equality Court Over Alleged Hate Speech

South African MP Renaldo Gouws Faces Equality Court Over Alleged Hate Speech

Ryno Ellis
20 Jun 2024

South African MP Renaldo Gouws is being taken to the Equality Court by the SA Human Rights Commission over alleged hateful comments. His party, the Democratic Alliance, has suspended him following backlash over a resurfaced video. The SAHRC considers Gouws' comments as hate speech under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.