Mary Papayya

Mary Papayya

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) yesterday warned that the law protects even the most "vulnerable" in our society.

SAHRC provincial commissioner Kathy Govender said this after a Durban domestic worker - who complained that her former employer had sent a racist SMS about her - received an apology and a R10000 "settlement" in the Durban equality court.

The matter was settled on Friday when Cameron Forsyth of Waterfall handed over the money to Zandile Magubane and apologised.

Magubane laid the complaint with the court and the SAHRC after receiving an SMS from Forsyth, clearly not intended for her.

It read: "Try to call this k**** bitch from a private no. She's not answering my calls."

Govender said the SAHRC brought the case on behalf of Magubane because they felt that her dignity had been violated.

"These were hurtful words. It was settled amicably and an unequivocal apology was received."