Mbeki and Racism
I continue to feel deeply uncomfortable whenever President Mbeki or one of his coterie, sounds off on "racism", seeming to include all non-black South Africans in his broadsides.
So here are two pieces from today's Jo'burg Sunday Times addressing this issue, one considered and sensible, the second, from David Bullard, typically subtle and snide, although containing more than a grain of truth.
Update: The Mail & Guardian also carries a thoughtful comment on this issue, with which I wholeheartedly agree:
Whatever his achievements, Mbeki could be never be credited with helping to build an inclusive South African identity and allegiance. His occasional gestures in the direction of national and human solidarity — like the often-cited "I am an African" speech — are detours against the current.
What I miss is a leader who emphasises what binds us together as South Africans, rather than incessantly harping on what sets us apart.
Under Mandela whites of good will had the sense of being welcomed, almost as returning prodigals, into the South African family. This did not, and does not have to mean ignoring the disparities between its members.
Later Update: More comment, from Ferial Haffejee, who also seems to yearn for racial reconciliation, or non-racialism.
12:55:23 PM 
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