Edward Zuma could face a fine over open letter

Zuma harsly criticised former ministers Pravin Gordhan and Derek Hanekom and the SAHRC believes the contents of the letter "constitute hate speech".

SAHRC Chairperson Bongani Majola spoke to Jacarandafm News about the implications of Zuma's actions should the court find him guilty.

"What we are looking for is a deceleration that his statements constitute hate speech and therefore, maybe a fine or a demand for an apology," says Majola.

But the civil proceedings are not Zuma's biggest concern.

The SAHRC also wants to lay criminal charges over the statements Zuma made in response to the commission's initial reaction to his open letter.

Zuma launched a scathing attack on the SAHRC saying at the time he views it "as a vile dog unleashed to maul the black majority, to manage them, to sanitise their history and to keep them in check."

Majola believes these remarks amount to interference with the commission's work.

"It is a criminal offence for anyone to interfere or hinder the commission in the performance of its duties," says Majola.

Zuma has meanwhile apologised for the initial remarks he made in the open letter after he was given a deadline by the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal to do so.