South Africa is a non-racist, non-sexist constitutional democracy. Pity that some South Africans are still obsessed about race. Perhaps that's because of the vast inequalities that continue. The DA race debate, the anti-white message of Julius Malema and the ANC electioneering tactics of Cyril Ramaphosa show our country has a way to go before race consciousness becomes a thing of the past.
To its credit, the DA does not exploit racial feelings; it is sincerely engaged in nation-building. It is committed to achieving equality, promoting that instead of inflaming racial feelings. The EFF and the ANC incite people to vote for them as an expression of intolerance. ‘Feed the greed' would describe the EFF; while ‘Feed the fear' would describe Ramaphosa's call for votes for the ANC as the alternative to the ‘boer' returning to power.
Many black people believe white South Africans want discrimination, try to keep them out of jobs and teams and keep them subservient. There are some whites with these views - after all, in democracies even racists (black and white) are entitled to their views. But most whites, now only nine percent of the population, long ago accepted that we are all equal citizens, entitled to share the bounty of this great country. Some do it grudgingly but many with glad hearts.
The fans and followers of rugby are not all the most progressive of voters but they provide a striking example of the new South Africa working. Watch the respect and the emotion for the flag and the national anthem when it is played - and sung lustily - at matches. Black players are strongly supported. The fans love the ‘Beast;' Siya Kolisi is becoming a favourite; Bryan Habana is the darling of the crowds; the Ndungane twins are firm favourites, and so on. Fans might not want an all black team but they do want to beat the All Blacks. Good players, whether white, brown or black are applauded and followed with appreciation and affection. Don't tell me South Africa isn't progressing when we see these examples of respect and admiration.
If we want to see more black players making the top teams then boys at school and university must be encouraged to play rugby. Go and find them; affirm them; nurture them; give them opportunities and then watch them flourish. Develop the talent. Stop thinking that forcing quotas on people is the answer. Quotas are inherently unfair and discriminatory.
Just as in rugby, do the same in every sphere of our national life. If you want to see the leading accounting and legal firms having top black partners, follow the recipe. It applies also to engineers and skilled artisans. Accept that race has been a factor and must be taken into account. Educate our children properly. Seek out the brightest and the best; affirm them; help them get to the stage where they can compete on an equal basis. Then watch them fly.
South Africans should take a deep breath: for a young democracy we are doing quite well. Relax; agree to honour our constitutional commitment to racial equality; then act sensibly to achieve it.
Douglas Gibson is former Opposition chief whip and former ambassador to Thailand. He can be followed on Twitter here.
This article first appeared in The Citizen.
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