A South African councillor, Sibongile Tsoleli, has been ordered to pay R50,000 and issue a public apology after the Bloemfontein High Court found her guilty of hate speech. The case centered around derogatory WhatsApp messages she forwarded to others. The court affirmed an earlier ruling, emphasizing the responsibility individuals bear for the content they disseminate, even if not originally created by them. This decision sets a precedent regarding online conduct and the legal ramifications of sharing harmful content. The claimant, Stephanie Lockman-Naidoo, former speaker, will receive the compensation. The ruling underscores that forwarding racist or hate-filled content can constitute a criminal offense. This case highlights growing concerns surrounding the spread of harmful speech via social media platforms.