RECOGNITION OF AFRIKANERS BY THE PRESIDENCY - THE ROLE OF AFRIKANERS ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT 

We have taken note of the speech by the Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Mr Obed Bapela, who is also the chairperson of the ANC NEC subcommittee on International Relations, during a breakfast meeting of the Progressive Business Forum in Durban on 18 June 2013.

He said with reference to the growth and expansion of business in Africa: 

"Travelling in the continent is also an eye opener for most of the time. I meet one group that is the envy and the pride and they are Afrikaners in the engineering, infrastructure, construction and telecommunication. You find them in the unthinkable places in the continent. The ANC Strategy and Tactics of 2007 indicated the Afrikaners as the fastest growing wealthiest people in South Africa... They do this by taking the risk in the continent and they are winning. Can we take a lesson from them and go out there and grab opportunities as Africans, Indians, and Coloured in particular to take up the opportunities because South Africa will become the biggest beneficiary in investment and trade." (Quoted from the text of the speech as delivered)

In the current political climate of racial intolerance and sometimes even hate speech, the above sentiment is one that brings some sanity and recognition to the fore. In our many interactions with the ANC and government leaders we have continuously said don't merely invite the Afrikaners to assist with the country's problems in a solution oriented manner, but give them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experience in a practical way. 

Thus the playing field should be levelled so that the Afrikaners, who regards this country as their home, can continue living and working in this country. The majority of Afrikaners will in some way contribute to a South Africa which functions successfully, and they do so despite many limitations and policies. Just imagine the energy which will be unleashed to the benefit of South Africa when these limitations are removed. 

This positive attitude expressed by deputy minister Bapela indicates that at some level there is recognition for the role Afrikaners can play. It is however not limited to Afrikaners only. Various minorities have committed themselves to work towards the future of a successful South Africa. In South Africa, the many minorities which demonstrates and constitutes the diversity of South Africa cannot be ignored.

Statement issued by Jan Bosman, Chief Secretary of the Afrikanerbond, June 20 2013

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