Challenging racist perceptions

Patrick Mphuthi’s letter, “Africa must return to Africans” week ending 14 March, who was filled with overwhelming “mixed emotions of sadness, disappointment and confusion”, begs a reply.

It is such a shame that Patrick is so unhappy and confused, especially when he and all of us born here regard ourselves as South “Africans”.

What a pity he has brought colour into the issue. We are born and bred in this country together, Patrick, and the right-minded of us are not confused but are positive and know that it takes determination, hard work, ethics and goodwill on all sides to make this country flourish for the benefit of us all.

The photograph he refers to did indeed feature only white faces – but that does not “suggest” that black people were unwelcome. He does black runners a disservice by calling them “couch potatoes”. Who are among the greatest runners in the Comrades and other world athletic events? Black people. And the Gauteng Striders is a black running club in the city.

To suggest that the lack of black faces in the photo indicated that black people were able to purchase properties in affluent neighbourhoods is ridiculous. I have a black neighbour in front of me, an Indian next door, a black politician down the road and a number in a block of apartments up the road.

Houghton has its share – not just Tata .

You are out of touch Patrick.

As for the pictures you refer to, may I suggest you discard the ones you have at present and look at those that do reflect the growing “demographics of our society at large”.

Look at the school sports teams – black youth are in them all. In our Olympic rowing team, up and coming black sportsmen are everywhere. Black churches abound. I see black people in businesses, in council departments, in fact everywhere.

Come on Patrick, take off those dark glasses, face forward and join those of us who want our children to inherit a great country with tolerance and respect for all.

Be happy and contribute positively to our “ beloved country”. I invite you to come to the next Parkrun.

To read Patrick Mphuthi’s original letter, click here

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