Statement condemning recent reports of racism

4 January 2015

"The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation strongly condemns the racist comments and views that infer that black people are like barbarians and should not be allowed onto public beaches.

This is similar to Taj Hotel asking the Cape Minstrels to remain silent on their parade route because hotel clients would be 'disturbed'.

Many African families save for months to get to the seaside on New Year's day.

We must recall the struggle to open our beaches to all during the 80s and cannot pander to the views of people who seek to take us back to separate beaches and other facilities. There will be no going back to that era. Those who continue advocating these conservative, racist views must be challenged and penalised through our Equality Courts. Racism has no place in this country. People who insist on holding onto such crudely racist views should perhaps consider moving to places where their views will be more acceptable.

Jawitz Properties and Standard Bank must act against the racists amongst their staff or associates or face being associated with their views.

We call on South Africans to condemn racist sentiments. While the Foundation is concerned over social media being used by racists to spew hatred, it is encouraged that ordinary people have used online platforms to challenge these views and promote non-racialism.

We also call on South Africans to join the Anti-Racism Network South Africa (ARNSA) in marking an anti-racism week that takes place from the 14 - 21 March 2016. During the week, we must unite, speak out and act against all forms of racism throughout the country."

Statement issued by Neeshan Balton, Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, 4 January 2015