Koeksisters, the glue for MK and boere

After the heat and dust stirred up by the land question and the existence of Afrikaner enclaves like Orania, it was interesting to see the polite manners on display at the meeting over the weekend between the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and the Kleinfontein settlement outside Pretoria.

There were no placards, no petrol bombs, no toyitoyi dances, just formal handshakes and discussions, with the Kleinfontein hosts rustling up koeksisters, coffee and tea for their guests, who had given no official notice of their arrival.

On both sides, there were measured tones as questions were asked and answered.

On their part, MK said it understood the community’s desire to have its own cultural bonds respected… although it did not agree this was the correct way to live in a multiracial South Africa.

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Kleinfontein, for its part, stressed it was not a “mini-Volkstaat” but wished to be left alone with its own people.

Will this be a harbinger of “peace in our time”? We don’t think so, because both sides are far apart when it comes to the emotional question of land.

However, the meeting showed that, even in the midst of sensitive discussions like this, we can act with respect. That gives one a little hope.

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