Government plays a significant role in racial tension, but leaves reconciliation to the people

3 September 2021

Apparently, President Cyril Ramaphosa does not believe the government should play a leading role in defusing racial tension in the country and today he rejected the notion of a new Peace Accord between the people of South Africa, in the form of a CODESA2.

In response to a parliamentary question by the leader of the FF Plus (Dr Pieter Groenewald), President Ramaphosa conceded that there are problems stemming from racial tension in the country that also relate to class and gender problems, but he made it clear that the people themselves must shoulder the responsibility to bring about unity.

Dr Groenewald referred to, among other things, the rumours of underlying racial tension in KwaZulu-Natal before the outbreak of the recent riots as well as the role of institutionalised racism, as was evident at the municipal vehicle auction in eThekwini (Durban) where white, coloured and Indian individuals were initially excluded from participation.

He also made mention of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and its role in bringing about reconciliation as well as the fact that the Commission has once again started prosecuting individuals for things that happened in the past.

According to Dr Groenewald, actions like these do not speak of reconciliation, but revenge.

It is important that every person in South Africa strives to promote reconciliation and unity, but it is first and foremost the government's duty to lead from the front in this regard, particularly seeing as it is responsible for most of these problems.

Thus, it is lamentable that the President indicated that he is not interested in a new Peace Accord.

Issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, 3 September 2021