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The black diamond experience

2007-09-03 09:25

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Unathi Kondile, News24 User

I couldn't believe it. There I was indulging on Manto spirits, getting plastered Medi-Clinic style, at a favourite township hangout spot. All of a sudden some character, with all the space around him, stepped on my shoe.

He then turned as if to apologise but instead: "Why did you put your shoe under my foot!?" he demanded. At first I thought this was some new joke but as he came closer I realised he was more serious than a heart attack. Dead-serious. Needless to say I was at a loss for words.

What followed was an awkward string of one-liners. "You suburb boys mustn't come and think you're clever here!", "und 'qhela kakubi!" etcetera, etcetera.

So I guess to avoid a nonsensical confrontation I apologised for being stepped on. I then put my Manto drink down and indulged in a conversation with the barmen who'd witnessed this incident. They shook their heads.

Now if I were white I would've immediately classified this recent experience as an act of misanthropy or maybe as an act of blustering racism posed by some random township bully. But is there such a thing as black on black racism? The answer would be yes - if you've come to accept that there are two types of blacks in South Africa. Yes, the architects of apartheid succeeded in creating tribalism and black-on-black hatred.

Those of us who succeeded in getting out of the townships, getting higher education and willingly moved to the crime-infested suburbs are now faced with various challenges.

Last year when three gents decided to hijack me outside my door - it was a process of shock for me; the manner in which they dragged me, stuck a gun to my face and the hate one-liners they spewed made me believe I probably deserved it - for having deserting them wherever they've been in the past 13 years.

Nothing pisses me off like working hard for something and having it taken away by some beer-guzzling unemployed bum who spends his days bemoaning our past instead of taking active steps in empowering oneself; like some of us who went from ashy to classy through our own will and determination. I digress.

Needs to be resolved

If you are still pondering the two types of blacks I mentioned. Well they are: the so-called black diamonds and the blacks. The blacks are making it so difficult for the so-called black diamonds to appreciate their achievements. Terms such as i-Bourgeois or u-Kleva or the clichéd-to-death Coconut label are just a few terms being levelled against the so-called black diamonds.

All of sudden so-called black diamonds are supposed to be engulfed with guilt for having progressed. At this point I feel I must apologise if you feel I'm looking down upon my race. The sad thing is that we need to resolve this, quickly. My whinging here will not make a difference - but at least it's off my chest.

A friend once said: "South Africa hasn't undergone a process of change or a revolution. A war is still coming. And it won't be Mugabe's idyllic dream of black against white. It's probably going to be black against black!" As we approach Steve Biko's commemoration day I can bet he is turning in his grave - on what the black man has turned into.

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sias 9/3/2007 9:33:34 AM
Now it is apartheid's fault that your bruthas hate you? Ag sies tog, shame.

Heila McKinley 9/3/2007 9:34:49 AM
Your article gives interesting insights into the life of a "black diamond". However, I'm puzzled by one comment: "Yes, the architects of apartheid succeeded in creating tribalism and black-on-black hatred." Why is this once again the result of apartheid. You worked your way up. The opportunities are there. Many of the criminals were not born yet when the new South Africa arrived, so why blame apartheid for the choices they make?

Ranter 9/3/2007 9:38:21 AM
You hit the nail on the head. I often observe this type of situation with amusement. I find it funny that the biggest obstacle to black people is black people themselves. I just feel sorry for the one's like you who have realised that they need to pull finger and get on with it. The World owes no one nothing (regardless of race) you have to make it happen for yourself.

Ann 9/3/2007 9:39:02 AM
Extremely interesting and thank you for your thought-provoking article. I guess it's in man's nature to have some sort of bias (If we were to wake up some morning and find that everyone was the same race, creed and color, we would find some other causes for prejudice by noon. ~George Aiken). I wonder if the human race will ever evolve out of this practise?

Crispin 9/3/2007 9:41:28 AM
Thats right, blame the white man for all your problems! You people are so predictable hey!

Joe 9/3/2007 9:44:19 AM
The statement: "... the architects of apartheid succeeded in creating tribalism and black-on-black hatred." deserves comment. Tribalism and black-on-black hatred were aspects of this continent long before apartheid.

boertjie 9/3/2007 9:44:21 AM
It's amusing that everything HAS TO BE connected to the eeevil apartheid and race in some way, even if it is obviously not, as in this case - or is it just a lack of vocabulary?

The O' JAYS 9/3/2007 9:46:42 AM
I just hope that day never happens when black will turn on black. Instead we should become like the Japanese, at least South Africa has not been destroyed by atomic bombs. Lack of education will

Willem 9/3/2007 9:47:40 AM
Why do you reason that your experience was a creation of apartheid. The back diamonds come from the new South Africa. You admit yourself that discussions want the war to be a black on black war. You dwell in a past that you may not even have experienced and know very little about. Come on, face the facts, life is more about the have and have nots. You call it black racism, because you want racism to have something to do with it. Seems white South Africans were not even present?

Nick 9/3/2007 9:51:03 AM
Funny thing that this thing we call "racism" does not quite fit here, I think the point that emerges is that "class" is starting to show itself at last. Kind've like a natural osmotic balance, and there will always be those that are pushed away (as opposed to pulled) due to their quest for a better life. It's called Ambition. And Ambition is what makes one want to succeed and not dwell on expecting someone else to make your life liveable. This article sums up a lot of things in present day SA.

Ano 9/3/2007 9:52:35 AM
I appreciate where you are coming from with your statements here, but I feel that the issue is less to do with racism (even if it is one race against itself) than it is about classism. Look at any country... the lower echelons of society will always begrudge the higher classes for having what they do not - comfort. It is only because of our past in this country that people still think it has to do with race - such a pity!

jaffer 9/3/2007 9:55:36 AM
I think all races have the diamond experience, this is certainly not unique in your case.

AS 9/3/2007 9:59:52 AM
Unathi you have hit the nail on the head. I wish all people could it like this. Maybe now when white people moan about the crime they will not be accused of being racist - the criminals see no colour, just what they can get. I say to those who call you names for making something of yourself - you are sad, jealous people who are bitter because you couldn't make it yourself. Get off your sorry backsides and do something constructive instead of using some lame excuse as to why you have to do crime.

Martin 9/3/2007 10:01:31 AM
Is there some reason why the Apartheid card has to be played everytime something bad happens to a black? Old Thabo complains about the minority's so-called racist mindset but neglects to address the issues of the majority's hating each other. Having seen more than one Xhosa on Zulu confrontation, how does this amount to Apartheids fault? Tribalism is rife in all african countries especially South Africa!

Praetorian 9/3/2007 10:02:47 AM
I would agree with the author on all points but one: the architects of apartheid weren't the ones who created the 'black-on-black' hatred or tribalism. It was already mature & strong long before the pale faces got here. They let it continue because it worked for them. It's just sad and exceedingly counter-productive to see that we still cannot overcome the simplest cultural differences and that greed & barbarism still rule the common black man.

Yawn 9/3/2007 10:06:04 AM
Insightful letter. Didn't you know that people get GIVEN plush suburban homes and comfortable jobs? Who said you ever need to work for anything? In the past, this could be blamed on apartheid at the lack of equal opportunities. Now that the "i-Bourgeoisie" have the same opportunities and are doing it for themselves, what and who shall we blame now? You see, Capitalism was never understood by some "revolutionaries" who promised everyone a land of milk, honey and luxury 4x4's.

me 9/3/2007 10:06:29 AM
In the real world where its not always about color its called a class war,the rich,the middle classes and the lower classes all jostle up and down the ladder,living very different lives with very different ideas,in England the bugeoning lower class are called chavs,look them up on the web.On the lines of Tribalism,I vividly remember an article written by you,saying if you are not Xhosa you should shutup,maybe you deserve the racism you encourage.

Visions 9/3/2007 10:07:11 AM
Unathi, I agree with you about the two types of blacks. I?m an auditor?and I?m doing well and guess what? My car has been scratched several times while visiting some of my friends at Ekasi and at one stage they had written: Coconut on my bonnet. That?s why you hear some of us saying: I hate blacks?but hey its not all blacks?it?s the anti-black diamonds that I hate..which happens to be the blacks. Are we, as black diamonds ever gonna be rich?

Observer 9/3/2007 10:07:12 AM
we are still in the same situation as ever and as every were (in the world). It is the haves against the have nots. You get the same treatment in the poorer suburbs should you look like you come from the "rich" side of town - I think we can now call it "classism" :-)

Supporter 9/3/2007 10:07:57 AM
Unathi, I'm really glad you wrote this. I really don't think most people know how people like you, who have worked their buts off to get where you are today, actually feel. You don't know me but I will tell you this - I support and appreciate you efforts to inform us and also to try and make a bigger & better SA for all of us. If I could meet you I would definately shake your hand & say thanks - because of people like you my kids may stand a chance in this country after all. Thank you

Vernon Wolf 9/3/2007 10:09:18 AM
Is it at all possible for a person of colour to be racist? Surely not... that's simply not possible. I gather that you are actually being serious in asking this question? Some of the most racist people and situations I have ever encountered was among people of the same skin colour, it's human nature unfortunately and a fact of life. And by the way, welcome to the world of a white, male living in South Africa.

Juan 9/3/2007 10:10:01 AM
I agree that there is a problem, but you can't call it racism, because it happens WITHIN the same race. It is more of a 'class-ism' amonsgst the same race. I can't see how you can blame apartheid for this!? Black-on-black violence is ONE thing you can't ALSO blame on apartheid!

abc 9/3/2007 10:10:10 AM
Let me get this straight... it's apartheid's fault that there are people who do not like it that you are moving forward. It's not jealousy or anything on the part of the person not accepting you. It's apartheid. Okay... just checking.

Brad 9/3/2007 10:14:48 AM
I empathise with Unathi on his concerns. I feel that the problem is rather a class issue than racism. Racism is a term used all to easily without fully understanding the term. Class differences are rather the cause of this antagonism. This is not unique to black people but a problem worldwide. My concerns here are that this is an example of intolerance being experienced in SA at the moment. Can you imagine if Unathi was a white? Why can't we learn to tolerate and accept one another!!

ramone 9/3/2007 10:17:22 AM
Very unfortunate, the 'apartheid' reference, but lets ignore that for now. You are exactly rite for the rest. And worst, is that tribalism reaches rite up to the president, and government. A tribal mentality - those who acquire power, horde it at all cost, and take all there is, and are grossly indifferent to the people. This is fact. So black people, stop whineing about racism every time a white person points out factual shortcomings of certain sectors of the majority population.

Sarahb 9/3/2007 10:24:51 AM
Black on Black hatred is not new in South Africa, or entire of Africa. It would seem sometimes that this country has always been at war, tribal life was tough - YES, even long before the whities arrived! Have we truly found something that can not be blamed on apartheit? However, I am sorry that you got picked on by an angry drunk - Black or white, they are never fun to deal with!

Alicia 9/3/2007 10:25:27 AM
There is more Apartheid amongst the different tribes of South Africa now and probably then, than the original hated word ever simbolized. The people have changed a stupid word into the biggest excuse for doing nothing, stealing, raping, murder and blaming the past for every and anything that goes wrong in their lives. Do you think that I find life easy. I work my ass off, 7 days a week and I am 60 year old...and I started the little I have with nothing. JUST HARD WORK! Live your responsibility

lily-white 9/3/2007 10:28:23 AM
All you whites on this forum are ignorant. It is people like you who are creating all this chaos in Govt. I suggest stop being idiotic and do something constructive. Unathi is merely giving us his views.

Danny 9/3/2007 10:28:50 AM
The architects of apartheid did NOT create tribalism and black-on-black hatred. The British introduce class distinction in SA (still observed in the UK). Tribalism is part of the human nature since the beginning of man?s existence and not created by apartheid. What you refer to as black-on-black hatred is a common phenomenon amongst all population groups even in the white tribe of S.A. and is fuelled by envy, jealousy, greed and resentment.

niels 9/3/2007 10:29:47 AM
Unathi, I am very sorry you have had to deal with this. I don't think it is a race thing but a class thing. Sometimes, I am sorry to say, you just can't go home. Next time you want to go for a drink and you are stuck for company, give us a call. It would be an honour to drink with you. And to the idiots bemoaning your "apartheid slant," words fail me.

mp4 9/3/2007 10:30:59 AM
Unathi, forget what people think about you, and forget what some people are saying here. Do SA proud and reach for the stars brother.

XP 9/3/2007 10:36:55 AM
It seems that Apartheid is the ultimate Satan in everything in Africa. But wait!! Did Mugabe not slaughter thousands of Matabele in the 80's? NO, IT CANNOT BE..IT MUST HAVE BEEN CCB OR KOEVOET WHO DID THAT! Black on black violence will always exist and to believe that rascists are just white people is a brilliant coup by liberals and the ANC.

Puzzled Black 9/3/2007 10:38:06 AM
What racism. The person was just jealous of you period. Those type of jealous people existed even during apartheid you know. And u will find them in all communities accross the globe Why do you call yourself a black diamond? That term was coined by marketing people to describe theire target market

A DJ 9/3/2007 10:46:33 AM
Sometimes being white embarrasses me by the way other white people act. The problem in this country is that we don't really listen, the moment a word is spoken we immediately go on the back foot often misinterpreting what is being said and therefore reacting negatively. Unathi, move on guy and remember to always look forward and you'll get to where you want to go...

Anon 9/3/2007 10:47:11 AM
The article hit on a few points, but the issue here is not really racism nor is it tribalism but rather a situation of have's and have not's. While some comments made by some white people seem to protect apartheid, the reality is that the sitaution of the majority living in the township was caused by apartheid. Therefore both those factors can be blamed for the current situation.

doorboot 9/3/2007 10:48:01 AM
He did not fight white people, he is a renonwed millitary leader for fighting blacks. So how can you blame this one on Apartheid? Otherwise a very interesting article.

Alias 9/3/2007 10:48:15 AM
Sorry bud, but this has very little if anything to do with apartheid. This is an evil which has bugger all to do with race, it is a phenomenon that has existed since the beginning of time, it is the hatred and intolerance between the haves and have-nots and it flows both ways. In the SA context it can easily be construed as racism as historically the whites were the haves and the blacks were the have-nots, but that parallel can not be drawn so easily today with the rise of the 'Black Diamonds'.

Houston 9/3/2007 10:51:38 AM
Ja boet, forget the race card, get a pair and stand up and give the dude a klap for standing on your foot. Idiots are idiots, no matter their race

Sue 9/3/2007 10:51:51 AM
As an Indian, i can say even Indians behave with the same jealousy, not realising what hard work it is to get 3 degrees, and having to pay your student loans off when u start studying. I work in the Vaal, and even some of the Afrikaner youth are jealous of us black professionals. To all you jealous louts: If you want something you must be prepared to work for it, nothing falls in your lap. Otherwise the jealousy and hatred will eat you alive

mina 9/3/2007 10:52:21 AM
I think your article in a way says it is okay for a black man to hate on a white person thus encouraging racism....the guy had a problem with u and u end up making it everyone's problem. people will always be bitter about other things that happened in their lives. For a 12 year old black boy to hate his neighbour because his father drives a merc has nothing to do with apartheid. it is purely a difference in class. people need to be more receptive and accept that S.A has changed make it work

Alias 9/3/2007 10:52:25 AM
your comment is most ignorant, racist and intolerant of all. nuff said.

the REAL , original lily-white 9/3/2007 10:52:33 AM
The chaos in government is created by government themselves,not by the ordinary citizens of this country who pay them & own them.

Alias 9/3/2007 10:55:39 AM
you say "I don't think it is a race thing but a class thing", then how can we blame apartheid? Class differences have always existed all over the world, but you then go on to say "And to the idiots bemoaning your "apartheid slant," words fail me"...thats an idiotic argument.

sipho 9/3/2007 10:55:51 AM
Even your family can do that. A prophet is not recognised in his hometown but somewhere else. Your success is more welcomed by those who do not know you than those who know you. I have not arrived yet, I?m still striving to archive my goals and on top of that, I still have to pay the moneys owing to the Government for taking me through University. I still live in the township by the way but I feel the guilt my brother is talking about ? the guilt of having succeeded. However, I do not think being angry will solve anything instead it will cloud our judgment. What we need to do is to educate our people, starting from our home because I would consider you very lucky if you do not have a cousin or a brother rooming the streets. I and my brother were in town the other day and I gave him twenty bugs to go buy some juice. He came with the juice but to my surprise he still had the money with him. When I asked if he had some discount or what, he plainly told me he had stolen the juice. I made it very clear to him that I am not very happy about what he did; in fact I wanted to report him to the police. He apologised and promised he?ll never do it again and what happened to the juice is history. The point I am trying to drive here is that, even though we may not manage to eliminate the pull him down syndrome amongst our people, we can manage to convince at least one out of two to go work for their success. A normal person would derive their happiness from the fact that whatever he has, he?s worked for it no matter how small it is. So we need to bring that normality to our society, starting in our families of course. Let us not succumb to definitions that entertain divisions in our society. I am an African period. I am neither blue diamond nor white coal. Circumstances shall never define who I am.

Ano 9/3/2007 10:58:10 AM
To those throwing stones at each other and heavily using the race thing... stop it... we as a nation will never move forward without dealing with these matters constructively. Post your opinion, but please stop aggravating the situation by pointing fingers with, "You whites, or You blacks" so flippantly on your tongues... to move forward we need to do it together. We all have our opinions and the right to express them - please let's not get stuck in anger when we can deal with this calmly.

TheMan 9/3/2007 10:59:31 AM
According to UN International Conventions, "the term "racial discrimination" shall mean any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life." - Wikipedia. Apartheid?????

whatever 9/3/2007 11:00:01 AM
Unathi, I think you should stop blaming apartheid for all your troubles, but black people will keep on blaming apartheid until the day they die. All South Africans listen up, this is not going to change ever. As long as we have black people in this country, they will blame apartheid for everything that doesn't go their way.... we all know it... that is the way it is was and always will be... it's like the guy who left the office and you're taking his place, everyone always blames the previous one

itu 9/3/2007 11:01:56 AM
yes it is unfortunate the way some of the whites on this are being. crispin for one. sad. well done unathi, you have articulated an experience i think most of us have been through this. this is my country, and i will try and live my life as realistically as possible, and comments such as your are a good refelction on our soceity. constructive and thought-provoking.

Ano 9/3/2007 11:08:09 AM
Sipho... the best comment yet! Thank you! You are a true South African, one to be respected.

Jennifer 9/3/2007 11:08:29 AM
Do not feel bad, as an Indian I experience the same treatment. As was mentioned we work hard for our degrees and expect a return on all our hard work. It has nothing to do with racism

Wuza 9/3/2007 11:10:42 AM
Why is Sipho allowed to write such a long piece and we are limited to a few words? He didn't have a bad story except that COAL is not WHITE and neither can you give someone a BUG to buy juice with.

mp4 9/3/2007 11:10:45 AM
For the people who are defending apartheid, think you hit a nerve there Unathi, are they defending it because they are feeling guilty, or maybe wish it was still tthere?

JC 9/3/2007 11:13:13 AM
Sipho, Your view is fantastic, that is the wisest thing I have ever read on this forum, insperational!!!!

Jonas 9/3/2007 11:13:15 AM
I agree with you when you say black on black violence is coming.Besides the contribution made by apartheid,we are also fuelling it.Look at the composition of the government and the civil service.One group rules supreme to the resentment of the majority of blacks.To those who deny that apartheid was the cause, i can only say you are a sorry lot.You are in denial and can never prove that you are no longer racist.

JJ 9/3/2007 11:13:58 AM
I have experienced instances where 'black diamonds' look down on 'blacks' like they themselves are the 'new black and improved'. I agree the attacks are unacceptable, but 'black diamonds' need to look themselves in mirror too. PS. What is up with this apartheid defenders, jeebus?

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