Shameful to label demonstrations racist
LET’S face it, racism is diabolic and should be dealt with mercilessly wherever and whenever it rears its ugly head.
The many heart-breaking incidents and utterances by individuals and groups who are hell-bent on plunging this country into the internecine strife of the apartheid years should be condemned by all.
Let’s be clear, any defence of racism is ill-conceived and in bad taste.
Racism is just that, whether it comes from an ordinary person or a leader.
So many gallant heroes, black and white, have fought and died to stop the scourge of racism in our midst, hence in almost all political parties one finds mixed races, ostensibly fighting for the common cause of making this a winning nation.
It is unfortunate that racism has become a straw man in the country.
The recent demonstrations we have seen throughout the country were unprecedented. To question such unity and label it racist in the face of the stark challenges we face is rather shameful.
The common concern about the path the country seems to take is genuine.
It is unfortunate that some leaders have labelled this groundswell of concern as racist instead of addressing such concerns and allaying the fears of millions.
Hiding their heads in the sand will not help those who need the support of the same masses to retain or even increase their seats in our governance in the near future.
There is nothing wrong in defending one’s position if and when one feels under siege, but using racism as a shield seems to be too transparent and devoid of empathy at times.
While racism should be uprooted at all costs, the time has come for our leaders to put their houses in order and be accountable to the electorate.
If, as is the case, there is a crisis in the country, we expect our representatives to rise to the occasion and defend the gains of our independence instead of unnecessary witch-hunting.
Our leaders must know that hiding behind flimsy excuses is a sure recipe for the disillusionment demonstrated regularly throughout the country.
Dr Khaya Gqibitole, University of Zululand