ANC denounces Varsity racism

The ANC condemns the objectionable race stereotyping by the UCT official student paper Varsity News (2 April 2013) in which it reinforces and elevates the attractiveness of one race above others.

ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman says ultimately there is only one race: The human race. The Varsity assertion that white is unsurprisingly the most attractive race, is wrong and offensive.

Fransman says: "This colonialist perception where the masters are seen as role models desired after and possessing looks to strive for above that of the slaves or indigenous people is precisely at the root of racism where the white race is viewed as superior and others inferior. The shallow article seeks to profile people as good versus bad along racial lines and is presented with some importance as if it is scientific."

The ANC welcomes the position of UCT as an institution slamming the article and have noted the half-baked apology by the editor of the campus rag.

"As South Africans and Western Cape citizens we are still dealing with the legacy of Apartheid's institutionalised racism. But, we have to move beyond colour and race. Our young people should take the lead in this as the first years of 2013 are the first generation ‘born free' after democratisation.

"It is also noticeable that the DA is underwhelming silent on this travesty. The DA six months ago actively electioneered with DA leader Helen Zille at the helm to take control of the UCT SRC of which Varsity is a mouthpiece. It is evident that the DA's tactic is to deepen the divide between people along racial lines to create black ‘gevaar' (threat) aversion and take control.

"Its dealings with governance in the province give way to these kinds of exploits by the DA. We see how premier Helen Zille mostly appointed white (70%) as well as only male members in her cabinet and more than 65% of her senior managers are white. This only perpetuates the white superior (or fit for purpose meritocratic) mind-set that white is right. If the DA desires to lead by example, it should publicly denounce Varsity and change the governance of the province to reflect the demography and diversity of the people it serves. Shamefully, it is clear the DA has no desire to do so. The voters should take note and deal with it in the next election," Fransman added.

Statement issued by ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman, April 7 2013

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