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SA minister orders probe into
racist remarks against Indian

The South African government has appointed a commission to investigate 'disparaging and racist comments' made against an official of Indian origin of a state-sponsored theatre company.

The government acted after the disclosure that the chairman of the Durban Playhouse Company Edmund Radebe recently made racist remarks against the company's acting Managing Director Gita Pather and members of the Indian community.

"I am deeply shocked at allegations which surfaced in the media about the Durban Playhouse Company. I am appointing a commission to investigate these allegations and will take appropriate action as advised," South African Minister of Arts and Culture Ben Ngubane said.

Pather resigned after she got to know of the remarks.

A transcript of the tape recording of the meeting where Radebe made the alleged racist statements has been made available to the media.

The minister's action coincided with a public protest organised by members of the DPC.

The protest was disrupted by some people who raised slogans - Those who don't love Africa should leave and Indians are racists .

Reacting to the racist sentiments expressed by Radebe, Pather said the entire meeting that took place could only be described as 'racist, defamatory, and indicative of prejudice and bigotry that is astonishing because it emanates from the highest levels of authority within the Playhouse Company."

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