I’m deeply concerned about the reports emanating from the Cricket South Africa meeting with Andre Hudson, the conveners of selectors. It seems we are so race obsessed in this country that we now, yet again, break down the population and specifically the previously disadvantaged communities into sub-categories! The “real” blacks, and the not-so-black-blacks, and then the half-whites and the whites. When the “new” South Africa came to be, we were all celebrating the prospect of living in a non-racial society. That dream seems to have flown out the window rapidly, and we are now more racist than ever before, and it is accepted by the authorities, and encouraged.
Willie Basson’s demand to have more “African blacks” in the national cricket team is paradoxical to say the least. Here we have a man, who by his own admission, cooperated and was involved in the planning and designing of a “defensive” chemical and biological warfare program to protect his masters from, and to eliminate those same “African Blacks”, while working for the precious regime. Not only during the heyday of the “apartheid” regime but this “research program” was running even after democracy was brokered. How on earth did that happen? When did he become the champion of the rights of “African blacks”? What did he do to get his sins of the past washed away? As far as I can ascertain he never appeared before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Bishop Tutu, fully disclosed his wrong doings, exposed his masters and begged for forgiveness! In fact it seems that while the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was doing its very difficult and painful duty, Basson’s erstwhile cronies was still busy in darkened laboratories trying to mix up their deadly “muti”! This is the man that now claims the right to make public pronouncements regarding what is correct and what is socially incorrect behaviour!
Could the ”good” doctor also please explain to all of us where in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa can we find a clear and unambiguous definition of what exactly is an “AFRICAN BLACK”?
Who can clarify the conundrum about who is African black?
Who is just plain black?
Who is slightly black?
Who is borderline black?
Who is African?
Who is white?
Can a white be African?
Can coloured be black?
Can Indian be black?
Can oriental be black?
When did we revert back to having citizens, second-class citizens, half citizens, and “non-citizens-even-if-you-have-been-here-for-generations”? Who can claim full human rights, as defined by the constitution and who might only hope for those rights? What happened to your dream of a collective South African patriotism?
The constitution of our country adopted 4 December 1996, states:
“We, the people of South Africa,
recognise the injustices of our past;
honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land;
respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and
believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.”
...no mention of African backs, blacks, slightly blacks, coloureds, Indians, Orientals, whites, half-whites, etc.
The “Freedom Charter”, adopted 26 June 1955, and the foundation of the freedom struggle since then states:
“We, the People of South Africa, declare for all our country and the world to know, that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white”
...no mention of African backs, blacks, slightly blacks, coloureds, Indians, Orientals, whites, half-whites, etc.
The ANC own party constitution states:
“Rule 2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
2.5 Build a South African nation with a common patriotism and loyalty in which the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of the people is recognised.
2.6 Promote economic development for the benefit of all.
Rule 3 THE CHARACTER OF THE ANC
3.1 The ANC is a non-racial and non-sexist and democratic liberation movement.
3.4 The ANC shall, in its composition and functioning, be democratic, non-racial and non-sexist and against any form of racial, tribalistic or ethnic exclusivism or chauvinism.
3.5 While striving for the maximum unity of purpose and functioning, the ANC will respect the linguistic, cultural and religious diversity of its members.”
...no mention of African backs, blacks, slightly blacks, coloureds, Indians, Orientals, whites, half-whites, etc.
Why does Cricket South Africa, and there discredited, yet temporary, leader Dr Willie Basson, negate these documents and simply crap on the human rights of all South Africans by redefining race classification an reintroduce this painful rules of the past back into our society?
When was our national constitution suspended or amended to re-introduce race-classification?
Should we kiss our number one status in world cricket goodbye now?
Will the ICC allow a team to play in their competitions if that team is selected on strict racially exclusive guidelines, as laid down by the political leaders of the day? I thought that was exactly the reason why there was a sport boycott and exclusion embargo against the “old” South Africa for so many years!
Should we kiss all our talented young cricket players goodbye now? Even more will now leave our shores and look for greener pastures elsewhere, or simply just stop playing cricket!
More importantly, am I an African?
May I even claim to be a South African?
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