The Equality Court in Johannesburg has postponed judgment in a case between the South African Human Rights Commission and former Sunday Sun columnist Jon Qwelane, the commission said on Wednesday.
“This is due to the unavailability of the presiding officer on Friday May 27, [the date court was supposed to have handed down judgment],” spokesperson Vincent Moaga said in a statement.
Judgment will now be handed down on Tuesday May 31.
“The commission instituted the court proceedings in terms of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.”
The proceedings relate to a “derogatory and homophobic” article Qwelane wrote in his column on July 20 2008 with a headline “Call me names, but gay is NOT okay”.
Moaga said Qwelane did not present himself at court recently when the matter was set down for a directions hearing. Due to his absence the commission argued for a default judgment to be granted against him.
“The commission is asking the court to grant an order of an unconditional apology and a symbolic compensation against Mr Qwelane.”
Qwelane is South Africa’s ambassador to Uganda. — Sapa