‘New mind-set needed’ to beat racism

DESPITE extensive nation-building efforts since the fall of apartheid, racist incidents continue to plague South Africa.

Race-related outbursts in various forms and particularly on social media platforms have frequently made headlines over the past 12 months, leaving a range of professional and societal commentators questioning how far South African society has actually progressed since the end of institutionalised racialism in the country.

Following the recent spate of racial incidents around the country, Weekend Post canvassed members of the “born-free” generation and racism experts to gauge their thoughts on life in a democratic society in which non-racism is a pillar of the constitution.

Third-year NMMU human resource management student Lihle Hanabe, 21, says negative perceptions about race create a breeding ground for racism to occur.

“It's all about the mind-set people have about being superior to others. When we remove those thoughts of superiority towards a certain kind of person, that is when we can move forward in eradicating racism,” Hanabe said

Another NMMU student, Natashia Sandow, 22, insists there is a lot of anger among the youth.

“We need . . . to not see colour, but rather what is inside,” she said.

South African Human Rights Commission spokesman Isaac Mangena says the eradication of racism starts in the home, where parents teach their children about its negative effects on society.