South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters party (EFF) in Gauteng is filing a criminal case against a man who posted a video online in which he used racial slur to describe black people.
Adam Catzavelos has been revealed as the man in the video. Catzavelos’ family runs St. George’s Fine Foods, a Johannseburg-based company that supplies sauces, marinades and other products to restaurants and supermarkets.
Catzavelos is seen in a 20-second-long video of himself with a hat and sunglasses on saying the following: “Let me give you a weather forecast here. Blue skies, beautiful day, amazing sea and not one k^ff^r in sight. F*cking heaven on earth. You cannot beat this.
The “K word” as it is known in South Africa is apartheid-era slang for a black person and is regarded as a deeply offensive slur on a par with the “N word” in the United States.
Calls went out on social media to boycott his business shortly after the video began circulating.
Several firms, including The Baron Group, which operates dozens of restaurants in South Africa say it is now seeking other sauce and marinade suppliers as a result of Catzavelos’ comments.
The Braza restaurant chain and the Rib Zone have reportedly also severed ties.
Catzavelos’ family released a statement Wednesday announcing that it is appalled by the video and that Adam no longer works with the business.
“Adam Catzavelos has been dismissed with immediate effect from the family business, St George’s Fine Foods, and his minority shareholding will be unwound as soon as practically possible,” read the brief statement published on EWN.
The fallout even affected Nike South Africa, which closed several of its stores after it wa alleged that Catzavelos’ wife works for the sports brand.
The company wouldn’t comment on the store closings but issued a statement condemning racism.
“Nike opposes discrimination and has a long-standing commitment to diversity, inclusion and respect. We believe in the power of human potential in everyone – of every race, religion, nationality, gender and sexual orientation. We can also confirm that Adam Catzavelos is not a Nike employee.”
