Putting race on table

IN two articles on the opinion page of the Daily Dispatch of Thursday January 26, Afrika Mhlophe and Jonathan Jansen have, thank goodness, come to the rescue of a Cradock farmer, Johan Erasmus, who was vilified by the social media and, I would say, in the Daily Dispatch in two earlier editions of the newspaper.

And why? Because Erasmus was seen to transport a pregnant coloured lady in a sheep cage on the back of his bakkie.

Mhlophe and Jansen express their dissatisfaction that the race card has once again been drawn, when in fact, Erasmus saved his passenger “a small fortune in transport” as Mhlophe pointed out, also suggesting we ought to give credit to Erasmus for his altruism.

He had, after all, transported Linda Steenkamp, at her request, to Cradock, a distance of about 65kms so that she could see her doctor.

I was very disappointed that the Daily Dispatch could pick up the rants on social media and report, in headline news, in a seemingly biased way on this incident.

My disappointment in fact, turned to anger, and I’m seriously wondering whether I should continue to support this newspaper after being a subscriber for about 47 years! — The Reverend Canon Graeme Deas, Beacon Bay

THE social media uproar we see almost daily as a response to incidents perceived to be racist is understandable from where I sit.

The recent incident of a black woman perched in that cage on the back of a van driven by a white man would obviously raise questions, for which I’m glad. When a black person, a woman at that, is treated like that, of course we must ask questions!

I’m not about to give a sermon on the long history of racism in this country because frankly, that would spoil my evening. Suffice to say, farm workers in this country have generally been treated like dirt and no better than the livestock they tend to.

It’s the history of this country that consigns black people to the back of the line in many areas, in terms of employment, poverty, development etc.

The black woman is the most vulnerable member of South African society along with her children. Of course we should care about her welfare!

Conversely, this very same history places white people in the front seat where they still remain in this position of privilege. I mean, how did black people end up as farmworkers anyway?

Many white South Africans scratch their heads in amazement every time they are told to respect fellow South Africans who don’t look like them, who are less privileged than they are. If it wasn't t so insulting it would be laughable.

The public outcry and vigilance points to a clear exasperation with far too many instances where black people are victimised, insulted, overlooked and belittled on a daily basis in this country.

Yes, there are a few instances where people may cry foul without much cause but generally, the backlash is justified. In such a situation as ours, it would not take much for violence to erupt. Those who can be charged legally for acts of racism and hatred against fellow human beings must be brought to book as this may stave off a more grave situation. There might be some comfort in seeing something being done about racism.

Social media, with its many faults, has laid bare the persistent prejudice. All of us as South Africans must stay vigilant! — Phethu Soga, via e-mail

THE so called “dog-eating case” reported in the Daily Dispatch last year refers. Six months later all charges against my good friend Karl Krull have been dropped! Lack of evidence, says the director of public prosecutions.

After readily being labelled a “racist” in a case that even hit the international headlines, I sincerely hope an apology will now follow, in particular from certain people who find it too easy to cry!

Next time, please leave the ideology and read and study the police statements properly, bearing in mind that a citizen is innocent until proven guilty! — Vic Tabanelli, Gonubie I AM so tired of all the racist BS going on everywhere, in the newspapers, on social media, even in the grocery store when buying bread! Stop entertaining it and fuelling it with comments!

People of the East London community, this is to YOU, YOU the INDIVIDUAL.

Get rid of roots of bitterness, of class arrogance, of vanity. I am not saying don’t take pride if you have worked hard and are finally in a position to buy your dream car, but do not let it take away your humanity or influence you into believing you are now better than another person.

The moment you say “black people” do this or “white people” do that, you have intentions to racially discriminate.

Open your eyes to your own ignorance, your efforts to justify your racist thoughts or words. If one white/black person murders, are all black/white people murderers? If one man/woman cheats on their significant other, are all women/men cheaters?

Burn the blanket that you cast over millions of people when a representative from that group acts like an a**hole.

Racism shows its ugly, unnecessary head in situations or actions that are generally just wrong towards any one regardless of race. South Africans have become so conditioned to segregating, whether it be along lines of race, class, gender, that people have somehow lost the ability to stand up for what’s just right in general.

Be an individual and treat others as individuals, not as black or white, or male or female, or gay or straight. Treat people with your heart and not your eyes. Peace and Love to you all. — Name supplied, via e-mail