Dark side of the Rainbow nation

Annually on 24 September, South Africans gather to celebrate Heritage Day. Essentially it should not only be a day of embracing each other’s diverse traditions, values and roots, but also a day of redressing the inequalities that came with the history of apartheid. However, the sad reality is, there are still discriminatory practices against our fellow Africans. So how can we genuinely then celebrate Heritage Day?

 Xenophobia is currently one of the rife forms of discrimination against foreigners in South Africa. It is perceived to have significantly increased in South Africa after the installation of a democratic government in 1994 despite claims that South Africa is a nation that is governed by the principles of Ubuntu. Between 2000 and March 2008 at least 67 people died in what was identified as xenophobic attacks and also in May 2008 a series of riots left 62 people dead.

We also see xenophobia in the recent attacks against Somali shop owners.

 A 2004 study published by the SA Migration Project revealed that 21% of South Africans were in favour of a complete ban on entry by foreigners and 67% were in favour of strict limitations to apply in respect of the number of foreigners allowed. This paints a picture of a country that is divided and not accepting of other people.

Acceptance of one another’s differences is only possible if we truly understand who we are; therefore enabling us to understand the diversities in other people. That's where the teachings of our heritages should come in.

 Kwazulu Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize once said: “Our people must be taught to accept all people and fight against xenophobia and bring to an end all forms of political intolerance that caused brother to murder brother,”

According to Oxford English Dictionary, ‘Heritage’ is: 'the history, traditions and qualities that a country or society has had for many years and that are considered an important part of its character.’ But Heritage Day has become a day to show-off the Nguni tribe that one belongs to in colourful traditional attire, instead of being a day to teach and instil pride in the fundamental principles along with everything else that makes up our different cultures.

 Ubuntu, a fundamental principle across all cultures and religions, is a philosophy that preaches goodness and humanity to others. This philosophy that previously disadvantaged people had in the past is the reason why we have democracy today. This day should remind us all as Africans, that it is not our tastes or preferences that bind us, but rather our differences that make up who we are as a continent.

 Heritage Day is dedicated to the celebration of our differences, thus we have to question if we really understand our heritage and who we are. Such an evaluation is vital in building a South Africa that future generations will be proud to live in.