BLF's Andile Mngxitama set to sit in the dock at the Equality Court

The South African Human Rights Commission has resolved to institute litigation against Andile Mngxitama at the Equality Court.

This follows numerous complaints being lodged with the commission over comments made by the Black First Land First leader at a rally on Saturday December 8 in Potchefstroom, North West.

On Thursday, the commission said in a statement it "is deeply concerned by the ongoing public statements by political leaders and members of the public which have the potential of causing harm to the right to security of persons. They also damage social cohesion and undermine national unity in this country."

While the commission promoted and defended the right of freedom of expression, it said this right did not extend to rhetoric which was hurtful and divisive.

"The commission is of the view that the utterances by Mr Mngxitama go beyond the legally permissible limits of free speech, hence the decision to institute action in the Equality Court against him."