ZUMA SHOULD DEFEND CONSTITUTION
Dog lovers of all races were in uproar at President Jacob Zuma's recent comments on dogs and "white culture". He said that spending money on buying a dog, taking it to the vet and for walks was not the "African way", which was to focus on the family.
It was amusing when people like Zwelinzima Vavi tweeted pictures of themselves with their beloved pets. And a photo was circulated of a young Nelson Mandela affectionately holding a big dog.
City Press columnist Khaya Dlanga penned a parody of Thabo Mbeki's "I am an African" speech.
Excerpts include: "I owe my being to the whimpers, the tail waggings, the growls, the ball chasing, the tail chasing of the Poodles, the Chihuahuas, the Sausage dogs ... and the ever differing barks of the unAfrican canines".
"I am born of a people who owned canines, wigs and partings on the side of their heads. Whatever their own actions, they remain still, part of me.
"I am unAfrican. Today it feels good to be unAfrican."
Mbeki's famous speech with its inclusionary theme was made in May 1996 when we adopted our new Constitution. Our Constitution has human rights and governance principles derived from the best world-wide examples. Where would we be if these were rejected as "unAfrican"?
All cultures adapt and change over time, particularly with urbanization and modernity. Zuma is highly selective in what he sees as deviations from traditional African culture. For instance, he doesn't reject his own luxury cars and private jet travel. And there is actually a long history in Africa of close relationships between dogs and people.
It's also an appalling generalization to say that whites love dogs more than people and therefore "lack humanity". Successful countries embrace diversity and good new ideas wherever they come from.
Sport is a great example where former colonies have excelled in imported games like soccer and cricket. Music knows no barriers either. The biggest market for pianos is in China, where 40 million children take piano lessons.
China, Japan and South Korea all excel in producing classical musicians of the highest quality. South Africa has its musical geniuses of all races, such as 6 year old Tebogo Motsatse who plays piano concertos and her 12 year old violinist sister Neo.
There is a successful Soweto String Quartet and many fine singers developed by the Opera South Africa foundation. In science and technology South Africans have also showed competence and creativity that is recognized world-wide.
I don't advocate mindless adoption of all overseas fads, such as the notorious Outcomes Based Education. But Zuma denies the values of our Constitution when he stigmatizes certain modern ideas in racial terms.
Addressing traditional leaders, he has rejected "the white man's way" and derided Africans "who become too clever" in criticising their own traditions. As president, Zuma should remember his sworn oath to uphold the Constitution. He should always champion it in deed and spirit rather than undermine it with poorly thought comments.
Jack Bloom MPL, is DA Leader in the Gauteng Legislature. This article first appeared in The Citizen.
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