Say No to Racism and Support - The African Water Safety Team

Help Me Fight for Justice and End Racial Harassment in Surfing (South Africa)

Hello - my name is Rasool Hendricks,

I'm a family man, avid surfer , filmmaker who loves his community and the water of Africa.

My Dream is to create a world where the coastlines of my home country and my continent are free of prejudice and supremacy that makes young kids of color fearful of engaging in Surfing and water sports.

I am reaching out for your support in my fight against racial abuse and harassment that I have recently experienced. I don't wish for my experience to be met with sympathy but rather optimism and strength that collective action can overcome any form of hate.

On March 7, 2024, while surfing at Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay , I was subjected to racial abuse and harassment.

What you have to understand is that I am someone who has worked hard to be able to surf regularly getting in the water to teach myself how to become stronger and more proficient in the water and learning to surf some of Africa's best waves.

This is something that most children in South Africa struggle with access and gear to be able to do.

Well there is a perception that this is something that we have overcome in South Africa. Access and inclusive spaces are still rare. I can confirm this was not the first instance of hate speech or racist behavior in South African waters and coastlines I have had to endure.

They used derogatory racial slurs and forcibly grabbed my surfboard, an incident that not only violated my fundamental human rights but also rekindled painful memories of the Apartheid era.

The harassment did not end there. On March 25 and 26, 2024 ,an associate of the parties who is implicated , threatened me with fabricated witness statements to bar me from surfing at Supertubes. This ongoing intimidation has caused immense distress and fear for my safety.

In response to these egregious acts, I have taken legal action by filing a charge of Crimen Injuria and seeking a harassment order. However, pursuing justice comes with significant legal costs, and I need your help.

The individuals responsible for this harassment have the support of influential families and continue to promote a culture of racial division in the surf community, both in Jeffreys Bay and across South Africa. Surfers of color are still being harassed at Supertubes, and across coastlines in Africa.

It is crucial to stand against such behavior to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

Your contribution will assist with legal fees and help ensure that justice is served. I also will be planning to support the next generation of African surfers and creating a annual gathering for Surfers of color in South Africa of all ages to gather and see themselves in the water this December.

The African Water Safety Team is something I am committed to building.

Together, we can make a difference and put an end to racial harassment in our surfing community.

Any amount you can donate will be greatly appreciated and will go a long way in supporting this cause.

Thank you for standing with me and for your generosity.

Sincerely

Rasool A. Hendricks