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Johannesburg – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says racial divisions and tensions are a reflection of the fragile state of inter-community relations in the country.
The president addressed the nation on Reconciliation Day, which is celebrated annually on December 16.
“As much as we continue to actively work to overcome divisions in our society, deep and persistent challenges remain. We have seen racial tensions flare up in various parts of our country, polarizing communities and opening old wounds. What we have seen in Senekal in the Free State, in Eldorado Park in Gauteng and in Brackenfall in Cape Town shows that the state of race relations in our country remains fragile. “
He added that although South Africa may have come a long way since the days of institutionalized racism, reconciliation was still something that many in the country had yet to experience.
“This is not a situation that is exclusive to our country. During the course of this year, millions of people around the world rose up to confront the racism that still affects many societies. Under the banner of ‘Black Lives Matter’, they spoke, marched, demonstrated and wrote about the many ways that black people continue to be discriminated against and victimized.
“We are hopeful and determined that this wave of activism will forever change the attitudes and practices that have sustained racism around the world,” said President Ramaphosa.
He added: “As we work to bridge racial divisions among the people of South Africa, we hope that our path to a non-racial society can serve as an example for others. True reconciliation will not be possible unless we address the many ills of our society. We cannot build a truly supportive society as long as the majority of the country lives in conditions of poverty, inequality and deprivation, while a minority exists in comforts and privileges.
“We cannot move forward with the meaningful reconciliation process if policies around economic transformation, affirmative action and land reform are resisted. We cannot build a society that allows the individual to improve his life and fulfill his potential when resources destined for the benefit of the people are stolen by those who claim to be public servants ”.
He said that to address poverty and inequality, businesses must support policies that move toward redress.
“Our companies must reflect their support for transformation through hiring practices, training and empowering staff, and investing in the communities in which they operate.”
She also spoke about the need to eradicate violence against women and children.
“We cannot achieve reconciliation while the women of our country, who make up half of our population, live in fear of gender-based violence. We must stand firm in our rejection of all forms of violence against women and children. We must all play our role in supporting survivors of gender-based violence and respecting the rights of women and children in our families and communities.
“We must reject all forms of sexism, chauvinism and patriarchy. As men we must be fully involved in this fight, because it is men who are the perpetrators. We should be ashamed that women and children are afraid of being in the company of unknown men; of being followed home by men; and being beaten, harassed, abused, raped or killed by men. We have just concluded the 16 Days of Activism for Non-Violence against Women and Children. Let’s maintain our activism throughout the year ”.
