It was deeply concerning that after 22 years of democracy, a few South Africans are still defending or justifying racism, the ruling ANC has said in a memorandum to government.

The party said on Friday that the country had recently “witnessed the resurgence of incidents of racism, often disguised as freedom of speech”.

“It is a deep concern that within our society there remains those individuals who defend, justify and at times turn a blind eye to the demon of racism.”

ANC members marched to the Union Buildings to hand over a memorandum calling on government to strengthen laws that protect and promote human dignity and equality by criminalising racism

The memorandum was handed over to Susan Shabangu, Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, who accepted it on behalf of President Jacob Zuma.

“We, as peace loving South Africans, remain united in our diversity and committed to the ongoing transformation of our nation based on the ideals that so many that had come before us laid down their lives for,” the memorandum said.

“We recognise and appreciate the role of every South African in realising our aspiration of a common nationhood.”

According to the memorandum, the ANC and its allies gathered for the march to call on all sectors of society to rally behind the vision of building a South Africa as enshrined in the Freedom Charter.

“Peace loving South Africans must join hands across our many divides to build a nation united in its diversity. As a people we must reverse and reject racists, racist organisations and apologists for racism.”