Victims of apartheid need reparations

LET the racial healing among South Africans truly begin now, for the cosmetic make-up has worn off and the ugly scars following over three centuries of abuse and oppression against black inhabitants run deeper than we think.

We need to remove the scars which camouflage the suppurating wounds beneath that haven’t healed.

Let’s adopt the intent of US lawmakers and civil society smarting from the discredited Trump years.

In addition to the slavery reparations bill that is going before the US Congress having garnered support in the House of Representatives, a prominent order of Roman Catholic priests, the Jesuits, has pledged to raise $100 million (about R1.43 billion) in an act of atonement for participating in the American slave trade. That money will flow into a new foundation to be set up and will be allocated for racial reconciliation projects.

Remember, I had earlier this year posted letters about the need for racial healing through proactive reconciliation.

The moves that I’m writing about follow a similar TRC-type civil society-driven process when descendants of slave owners and descendants of slaves met to promote and achieve sustainable and effective racial healing.

The Roman Catholic Church’s effort is the most progressive and genuine effort to eradicate racism in the US.

South Africa must follow the same route vis-a-vis reparations for victims of apartheid as well.

SABER AHMED JAZBHAY | Newlands West