Even after the advent of democracy in South Africa and 24 years into the dispensation, South Africa is still marred by racially motivated incidents that are scarring the rainbow nation.
Spearheading the Anti-Racism Week, under #RootOutRacism is the Anti-Racism Network South Africa (ARNSA). Once again, ARNSA will act against racial discrimination, aiming at creating public awareness about racism and how it affects both individuals and broader society.
“We encourage people to learn and talk about racism, to speak out against it, report it, and act against it. The week is about ensuring that there is a countrywide focus on tackling racism and that it remains on the national agenda,” ARNSA said in a statement.
“We want South Africans to understand the root causes of racism and how over centuries, it has shaped the DNA of our society. From slavery and colonialism to apartheid, racism’s roots run deep,” read the statement.
Among those condemned by the nation were Penny Sparrow, Vicky Momberg, the people who forced Victor Molotswa into a coffin and the recent attack on athletics champion, Thabang Mosiako, in Potchefstroom.
“We believe that we should not just be tackling racism’s manifestations, but the mindsets, systems, policies, inequalities, cultures and conditions that sustain racism in post-apartheid South Africa,” ARNSA said.
The Herald approached numerous residents of Randfontein to establish their opinions on racism. Many felt it was a very sensitive subject to speak about publicly; however, those who condemned it said racism no longer has a place in South Africa. At the same time, others said they see acts of racism and are affected by them every day.
“I would not call myself a racist, because I grew up with small black kids on a farm and we used to play together. Racism is completely wrong. Either black against white or white against black, it doesn’t matter, it must be something of the past,” said Piet van Wyk. He added that he does not teach his children to be racist.
Zane Range said her father has been discriminated against when applying for jobs. She said that is a new form of racism that has taken shape in modern South Africa.
“It seems as if no one wants to employ white people and I think this is because we are still living in the past,” she said. She went on to say that she was also sceptical about looking for another job, “Simply because I know that I might be discriminated against.”
David Kraai said he feels racism every time he visits a mall and that many people are unfriendly towards each other.
“You can see how some people look at you because you are of certain colour, so yes, racism is still a problem in this country.”
Abel Mokobe said, “Racism is still there, but in a different form. It is still there even if we are pretending it is not. There are certain places in South Africa where racism is the order of the day. Until the mindsets of people are changed, racism will remain. The mentality of oppressing other people must be abolished.”
Elisna van Staden said, “I think it is huge problem in South Africa and it causes a lot of unhappiness. It is all about what race you are, not about how hard you work. What you earn is based on what race you are.”
ARNSA said there are numerous ways that people can get involved in Anti-Racism Week and start the conversation on rooting out racism. It said schools can host assemblies against racism or consider developing and adopting anti-racism policies, or consider sending staff for diversity training programmes.
“Religious institutes and community organisations can screen movies about racism, host discussions and set up community-based structures to tackle racism.”
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