Anti-Racism Week – recommitting to non-racialism
The former Robben Island prisoner shares his reflections on why South Africans should support Anti-Racism Week.
A few days ago, I was invited to speak at a Gauteng school ahead of Anti-Racism Week.
As I walked on stage, I could not help but marvel at what I saw: a gathering of young people of all races, attending the same school, sitting next to each other on the same floor, attentively listening to talks about racism, discrimination and human rights. For me, this was a snapshot of what South African society is capable of practically achieving through the bridging of racial divides. I remarked, that these young people could teach their parents a thing or two about non-racialism!
The visit to school formed part of activities for national Anti-Racism Week, which officially starts from March 14-21. The campaign is being launched by the Anti-Racism Network South Africa (ARNSA), which comprises of some 80 organisations, and is driven by the Ahmed Kathrada and Nelson Mandela Foundations.
Anti-Racism Week is something new for South Africa, and comes at a time of heightened racial tension in the country. The initiative is not only needed, but is long overdue.