Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 07-03-2018
Civil society organisations have warned that if racism is not rooted out of South Africa, it will have negative repercussions and threaten the country’s democracy.
The Nelson Mandela and Ahmed Kathrada Foundations officially launched the Anti-Racism Week under the theme “Root out Racism”, which takes place from March 14-21.
Held annually in South Africa during Human Rights Month, Anti-Racism Week culminates on Human Rights Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The focus of the week is aimed at creating public awareness about racism, and how it affects individuals and broader society. It also encourages people to learn and talk about racism, to speak out against it, to report it and to act against it.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundations Neeshan Balton says Anti-Racism Week is about ensuring that there is a countrywide focus on tackling racism and that it remains on the national agenda.
“The deep history associated with the depiction of African people in particular as monkeys and the connotation of people living in Jungles and why in this day and age that still has resonance with people across the globe.”
Former Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas who was also speaking at the launch says there is a wave of optimism around new President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“Beyond the euphoria you would probably seem more concrete steps to address inequality and to actually rebuild the credibility of the state which has been seriously damaged.”
Anti-Racism Week is initiated by The Anti-Racism Network South Africa (ARNSA) and represents about 80 organisations across various provinces.
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