Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia- 2016/03/17

“Racism is a blight on the human conscience. The idea that any people can be inferior to another, to the point where those who consider themselves superior define and treat the rest as sub-human, denies the humanity even of those who elevate themselves to the status of gods.” – Late Nelson Mandela’s Address to the UK’s Joint Houses of Parliament, July 11, 1996.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has urged South African’s to participate in the Anti-Racism campaign.

The initiative organised by over 80 groups under the Anti-Racism Network of South Africa, kicked off in Johannesburg this week.

It aims to strengthen public dialogue around issues of race with multiple activities scheduled across the country until Friday.

The Foundation’s Zaakirah Vadi says South Africans need to realise the importance of this week and what it means for the country.

“Our message is very simple, it’s take on racism, and we want people to follow the hash tag #TakeOnRacism campaign on Twitter and various social media platforms.”

She says people should educate themselves about the basics of racism.

“We want them to learn about racism, we want them to talk about it, to speak out against it, and to act against it.”

Vadi says a host of activities planned for the campaign will provide a platform for South Africans to openly speak on their experience of racial prejudice.

Twitter: @thedabhelia

(Edited by Faizel Patel)