Leading up to the first democratic elections in South Africa, there were a number of conferences like CODESA I and II, which ended in a stalemate. Negotiations then resumed with the Multi-party Negotiating Forum. These forums resulted in, what is described as the most progressive constitution in the world as well as many political and economic resolution,s which would pave the way for a democratic South Africa—the Rainbow Nation.
During these lengthy and tumultuous negotiations, a key component was left out of the equation, that of race relations. The various negotiating bodies made the grave mistake of assuming that once a democratically elected government was put in office and the Bill of Rights stated that “No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone…” we would by default hold hands, sing kumbaya and forget that discrimination, particularly racism was the order of the day, for many, many days in our history; during the years of apartheid.
For years after apartheid, South Africans have been getting on with life, whilst unconsciously carrying the feeling of “there is something wrong”. Well ladies and gentlemen that “something” is race. South Africans have been fooled into getting along without really getting to know one another. Seventeen years down the line we are beginning to realise that we are all be South Africans but as much we are the same, we are very different, and that difference is race.
In every political, social and economic debate had on social network site Twitter, race makes an appearance, though (mostly) eloquently and respectfully debated. Those who have been duped into believing that South Africans get along would be horrified when reading comments on News24 and TimesLive, which spew out racial epithets, both implicit and implied. People are rightly angered by these comments, but we need to calm down and realise that there is a real problem behind these racist comments, which show that racism is still alive and kicking in the Rainbow Nation.
South Africans come from a long history of racism which will not disappear with a sprinkle of “Madiba Magic”. We need to start talking about race, because ignoring it is like placing a Band-Aid on a gunshot would; whilst it may seem fine on the surface, underneath there is infection happening which will spread and eventually impact on the functioning of all organs.
We need frank discussions about how we feel about other races—we need CODESA III. People must be able to come forward and say that they are racists and why, so through a process of National televised events the mentality of racism can be understood and deconstructed. Even if there are those who refuse to change their ways, at least then we know and parties can go their separate ways. We need to stop looking past the problem and actually engage the problem so we can move forward.
Racism will be perpetuated unless we talk about it. Racism is a social construct, which will only be broken down if openly spoken about. In some cases, through CODESA III, we will find that racism is a result of ignorance, fear or social-conditioning. A 16 year old kid who says “I hate black/white people” was taught racism by his friends and/or family, once we openly talk about racial bigotry and give it taboo status, people will no longer feel free to spew out their drivel on News24 on TimesLive.
We need to say no to racism in the home, on the internet, at the workplace, and the like. Racists need to be told that what they are doing is wrong, and will no longer be tolerated. We need to stop laughing at racist jokes (Note: jokes about race and racist jokes are different).
Let us talk about this disease and work towards finding a cure.
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