Survey shows racists are in the minority
Race relations in South Africa are good – new IRR report
WHILE acrimonious debate over racism have dominated the national headlines in recent months seemingly polarising the nation, findings of a comprehensive survey just reseased show most South Africans do respect each other, irrespective of their race.
The survey by the national Institute of Race Relations (IRR) conducted last year canvassed the views of 2 245 people from all nine provinces on issues relating to race, empowerment and other policy matters.
It covered both rural and urban areas and all socio-economic strata.
The respondents were 78.3% black, 9% coloured, 2.8% Indian and 9.9% white.
The results were refreshing, indicating 85.4% of South Africans agree that different race groups need each other.
More than 90% of South Africans would support their children being taught by someone of a different race.
Most white South Africans support the need for redress and most black South Africans do not believe that whites should be treated as second class citizens.
Only small minorities of both black and white people hold hostile views of the other group.
According to the IRR’s Policy Fellow Sara Gon, the results should fill all citizens with hope.
‘The race debate that has raged in the media and on social media this year is not a reflection of what the silent majority of South Africans feel,’ said Gon.
‘The great majority respect each other and want to continue getting on well with each other.
‘This is remarkable considering the poverty and unemployment levels that still confront our society.
‘It is testimony to the commitment of the majority to see our democracy succeed.
‘There is no reason for complacency, however, and sound future relations will depend on continuing real improvements in the living standards of all South Africans.’
IRR CEO Frans Cronjé added South Africans must base their perceptions on fact, rather than ‘damaging conjecture’.
‘The inequalities that still exist need urgently to be addressed by people working together to encourage investment, stimulate growth, improve education and generate millions more jobs.
‘As we try to shift the country in this direction, we hope that the actual opinions of South Africans will serve as a voice of calm that helps to cut through the divisive rhetoric we have witnessed this year.’
