BLACK AND WHITE RACISM - EXCERPT FROM SPEECH AT POTCHEFSTROOM (FREEDOM DAY)
What does South Africa look like 16 years after 27 April 1994's election?
Do you remember the reaction when in 1995 President Mandela put on the no. 6 Springbok jersey and SA won the Rugby World Cup?
Since 1994 more than 300 000 people have been murdered (328 244) in South Africa . That is an average of 60 people a day. In the past seven years up to March 2009, nearly 135 000 people have been murdered in South Africa (134 522).
The world average for murder is 5 in every 100 000, but in South Africa it is 38 in every 100 000. Nearly eight times as many than the world average.
Since 1994 more than 3 000 farmers and farm workers have been murdered in more than 10 000 farm attacks. That gives a figure of more than 200 in every 100 000.
It is this figure which has destroyed the idealism and dreams following 1994. When some ANC comments are considered, 27 April increasingly gains the meaning of the victory of one group over another. This is historically wrong and a recipe for renewed conflict and not for cooperation.
With Malema on the one hand and radical comments on the other side, South Africa is today more polarised than any time since 1994.
Black racism against white people is at present very popular. I can give many examples. Black racism is used to gain votes and to mobilise people. But black racism does not solve any problems - it merely creates more and bigger problems. Black and white leaders should strongly condemn this.
But the same goes for white racism. White racism does not solve any problems either - it creates new ones. I read this white racism in anonymous tirades on the internet and in comments. Black and white leaders should condemn it equally as sharply.
It is easy politics. I incite my people and you incite yours - and what do we do then?
What is difficult politics? Difficult politics and true leadership is to make a place in the sun for all people and groups in South Africa . Difficult politics is to reach win-win solutions. Solutions where nobody feels victimised and suppressed. There are modern international solutions. Difficult politics is where I fight for my supporters' interests without losing sight of the bigger picture. For that - one needs wise leaders on both sides and imaginative solutions.
Most people and groups in South Africa desire tranquillity, cooperation and peace. Such solutions can be found if once again the modern international solutions are considered. World-wide self-determination and minority right formulas in societies such as that of South Africa are being used for harmony and cooperation.
Statement issued by Dr. Pieter Mulder, FF Plus Leader and Deputy Minister of Agriculture, April 29 2010
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