Standard Bank economist in hot water over racist tweet

Standard Bank economist Chris Hart has landed himself in hot water following a tweet sent out on Sunday night which many have taken to be racist.

In the tweet, Hart appears to argue that there is a growing sense of entitlement among black South Africans as well as an increasing “hatred toward minorities”.

More than 25 years after Apartheid ended, the victims are increasing along with a sense of entitlement and hatred towards minorities….

— Chris Hart (@chrishartZA) January 3, 2016

The tweet, part of a much longer argument around how allowing capital to flow into South Africa, attracted serious ire on social media, with many calling for Standard Bank to take disciplinary action against Hart, who has more than 20 000 followers on Twitter:

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In statement, the banking giant said:

“Standard Bank Group distances itself from comments made by Chris Hart on Twitter on 3 January 2016. The comments made by him are factually incorrect, make inappropriate assumptions about South Africa and have racist undertones,” the bank said in a statement.

The bank further tweeted:

Comments by @chrishartZA yesterday are factually incorrect and have racist undertones that do not reflect our values https://t.co/Hjat3ruPaJ

— Standard Bank SA (@StandardBankZA) January 4, 2016

We will be instituting appropriate internal disciplinary processes against @chrishartZA. https://t.co/Hjat3ruPaJ

— Standard Bank SA (@StandardBankZA) January 4, 2016

For his part, Hart apologised for that the tweet had caused offense, but didn’t seem overly perturbed by people’s reactions to it:

This tweet has caused offense – never intended for which I apologize wholeheartedly. Meant to be read in context of slow growth

— Chris Hart (@chrishartZA) January 3, 2016

This discussion has taken longer than usual. I need to check out now. I appreciate the robust debate. Cannot get to all…

— Chris Hart (@chrishartZA) January 3, 2016

….i still wish everyone including those that disagree a wonderful new year. Hopefully with good discussion, we can turn the economy around

— Chris Hart (@chrishartZA) January 3, 2016