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.
2 comments:
It's embarrassing because our fellow citizen is leading the organization that has been organized to unite Africa - the AU. What's more, the discriminatory practices that you mentioned has been happening before their eyes. I think it's time it stands up for what it ostensibly says it does instead of ignoring these divisions and promising to address them without an aggreement or arrangements.
Indeed brother, thanks for reading. I'm still waiting to see new material from you.
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