Life in South AfricaWhen is racism racism ?The words South Africa and apartheid are synonymous with racism. So it was with a sigh of relief that South Africa achieved what appeared to be a relatively pain-free transition to democracy. Four years down the line, however, racism is beginning to rear its head once again. The ANC government has introduced legislation which will make it compulsory for all businesses employing more than 50 people to carry a staff complement of at least 50% black, 30% female and 2% disabled people. This means that all white males in South Africa will have to squabble amongst themselves for 18% of the available jobs. I don't think anyone will argue that black people have suffered in South Africa. And there is a desperate need to improve their lot. The problem is, in attempting to help black South Africans, is it acceptable to say to white South Africans, "Because you're white you don't deserve a job ?". Wasn't that exactly what apartheid was doing ? The National Party came to power in 1948 on the basis of affirmative action. For Afrikaners. Very few white people protested, because it was to their benefit to have the government create jobs for them. In 1998, the ANC is attempting to cling to power based on affirmative action. And, surprise, surprise, no black people are standing up and saying "This is wrong, this is apartheid all over again". In fact, at the same time as black South Africans are vilifying their white countrymen, they are applying the same style of government! The point is this. Racism is racism, no matter who applies it to whom. If you decide to favour your own race, for whatever reason, you're a racist. Most white South Africans are happy with the idea of a black government. No problems. What is a problem is a black government which can't deliver on its promises and decides to use whites as a scapegoat. Many young white South Africans (the future of our country ... ) are no longer as reconciliatory as they were in 1994. They see a bleak future in a country in which they are expected to pay the price for apartheid. They are told to be reconciliatory, but have their lives wrecked by affirmative action. A black person is no longer a black person. He/she is that black person who has cost me a job. It is not hard to see that any hope of reconciliation will be lost unless the ANC government changes tack. What we need is honest, accountable government which is able to fulfill the needs of the emerging black society while ensuring that all people in South Africa feel that they can call her home. This can be achieved by allowing those white South Africans who feel that their only means of survival is emigration, to stay in South Africa and making them feel that they have a role to play. And you don't do that by taking away their chance of employment. As an aside, I don't feel that there is anything particularly special about white South Africans which warrants them being given any different treatment. The sad reality is that in today's economic environment countries need to do all they can to attract skilled people. If someone is skilled and can create employment and contribute to the economy, what does it matter what his/her skin colour is ?
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