Root out racism and do it fairly

It is said that for one to have the change they are yearning to see in the world, it should all start with them making a difference in their sphere of influence.

There are legacy problems in South Africa that continue to undermine transformation agenda meant to right the wrongs of the past when it comes to all forms of discrimination against certain races and the poor.

When Mpumalanga business mogul, Robert Gumede heard that a young golfer was assaulted by four white golfers in a racial incident at the Nelspruit Golf Club last October, he did not just shake his head in disappointment and folded his arms. He decided to do something about it to transform the club.

For Gumede the incident hit home, as this was the same place where he used to work as a caddie in his youth and now sponsors the club with R1.2 million annually. Gumede challenged the racism.

The transformation of the club was not an easy task. At first there was some resistance as the 20-yearold golfer, Jabulani Mabilane was suspended along with his assailants in a bizarre form of ‘justice’.

Gumede withdrew his sponsorship of the club and was soon joined by protesters who marched to the club to register their displeasure.

There is light at the end of the tunnel as the club has now committed to transformation targets, including the dismissal the four culprits and issuing an apology to Mabilane.

They will also host an anti-racism golf day on the anniversary of the day the golfer was assaulted, pay caddies a basic salary and invite more blacks to serve on their board. Gumede is not leaving anything to chance to ensure the racists are adequately punished for their actions by helping Mabilane pursue a criminal case against them.

Another racism furore has broken out and is playing itself out in stark contrast to the golf club matter. A white pupil at Pietermaruitzburg Girls High called fellow pupils the k-word but the school has allegedly come to her defence and is downplaying the incident.

Racism is entrenched in our society. It is incumbent on authorities, especially in public institutions, to root it out and to do so fairly.

Gumede has set a good example and the way his golf club embraced his way is worth emulating, in the interest of justice and transformation.