Racism alive and well in ‘rainbow nation’

THERE seems to be no end to racism in South Africa even with its much-touted fine constitution.

It is disconcerting and disturbing.

The Penny Sparrow saga is now legendary and has set the trend for racist rants and bigotry via social media. But racism rears its ugly head in many forms, not just on social media.

Management at Pretoria Girls’ High School were put through a “hair-raising” experience. Black schoolgirls claimed they were being discriminated against because of their natural hair. Numerous allegations of racism were levelled against educators.

Johannes David “Dawie” Kriel posted racist rants over Facebook about Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. His antisocial racist utterances were brought to court by the DA, ANC et al.

The case was postponed to January 17, and Kriel intends to plead guilty.

The “coffin case” on a farm in Middelburg is a reminder of the depth of hatred out there for one’s fellow man.

Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Martins were denied bail for their kidnapping and torture of Victor Rethabile Mlothshswa, who allegedly trespassed on their farm. Mlotshwa was tortured and pushed into a coffin for his “offence”.

Not to be outdone, Vanessa Hartley, a Hout Bay resident from the Western Cape, posted Facebook comments: “They are like stupid animals. We should tie them with a rope. Too many Africans flocking to Hout Bay. Draw up a petition. Soon there will nothing left of Hout Bay.”

Hartley has since apologised, stating someone else had used her cellphone to post the comments.

Probably worst of all is when an alleged act of racism leads to murder. A farmer shot and killed a cattle herder at Villa Liza, near Boksburg, for allegedly trespassing and/or stealing a cow. The farmer is out on bail.

The community is up in arms and view the killing as a racist act. They demand that the farmer receive a lengthy jail sentence.

When will it all end? Will legislation enacted to criminalise racism be the panacea to our racist ills? We have a lot of good, kind-hearted people, black, white, brown, coloured, whatever. Most have accepted the change that has come with democracy.

Alas, but for a few. Name, shame and charge them.

Also remember, one swallow (or Sparrow) does not make a summer.

GONA GOVENDER La Mercy