Racism against whites is ignored
I READ Zizi Kodwa’s “Personal invitation to compatriots” (The Star, November 10) with great interest. A noble gesture indeed by the ANC spokesperson.
On March 17 1992, a whites only referendum on ending apartheid was held. 68.73% voted “yes” to fulfil the dreams of Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo that “all South African citizens (are) equal under the law across the racial divide, in one united and democratic South Africa”.
Every black and white looked forward to a new future for the “rainbow nation”. South Africa was then regarded as an “exceptional country”.
This perception has been shattered over the last decade. Crime is rampant, and mob justice is flourishing. We are regarded as the rape capital of the world. Fraud and corruption is unbridled, and millions disappear from state coffers. Cities and towns have become slums. We have a dysfunctional health and education system, and infrastructure is crumbling. Unemployment has exceeded 27%. Our economy hovers around junk status.
Racism is not confined to whites. The SAHRC is expected to act against all cases of racism, but this does not happen. White racists are made examples of, while black racism is hardly addressed. For example Julius Malema’s threat to slaughter all whites. In whites it is mostly abusive words, but in blacks it is incitement to violence and genocide against a defenceless minority – a criminal offence.
Thus Zizi’s comment that “the demon of racism has no place in our society and we must use every legal instrument at our disposal to bury it” is fallacious. Racism is not treated fairly or equally.
Zizi mentions the End Conscription Campaign where white conscientious objectors such as Peter Moll, Richard Steel and Anton Eberhardt, took a stand against military conscription. Have these “white compatriots”been given any recognition by the ANC? Is there a statue of Lord Peter Hain, a vociferous anti-apartheid activist, anywhere in South Africa?
With regard to farm murders, many black farmworkers are killed by thugs who attack the farmers. There are cases where farmers have assaulted their workers. These cases are given massive media and TV coverage, while ignoring the vicious and brutal attacks on farmers and their families.
Reconciliation and nation-building is but a pipe dream, where the rights of minorities are ignored and where only the rights of the majority are recognised.
Minority rights are protected by the “Declaration of the Rights of Persons belonging to National, Ethnic, Religious and Language Minorities”, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1992. Unless blacks and whites are regarded as equal and treated fairly the status quo will remain, to the detriment of all.
I’m sure Daniel and Talita will welcome Zizi, and treat him not only with “pap and vleis” but with “koeksisters” as well. Farmers are known for their hospitality, and share his quest for a “truly non-racial society”. If only this concept was adopted by all, especially politicians.
Racism is not treated fairly or equally
Sunnyridge, Germiston