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Why I won't apologise
03/03/2008 11:42 - (SA)

Want to know more? Answerit can help.

Jon Qwelane

I have written a formal letter to the SA Human Rights Commission asking it to investigate the nauseating tendency of Radio 702 to manufacture "news" through its "in-your-face" arrogance and so-called "pushing the envelope" because, in my view, that tendency violates the public's constitutional right to be informed.

I am writing another letter to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission to ask it why it lets that station mislead the public with "news" that is not entirely truthful, accurate, honest and balanced as the code requires.

At the outset I must disclose that I spent nearly 10 years of my life working at 702: some might say I have axes to grind and scores to settle, but I feel that I am qualified to comment with knowledge on the manner in which 702 functions, having been exposed to its methods for so long.

I want to state unequivocally here that black people have every right to assemble by themselves to discuss whatever affects them directly; we do not need anybody's approval, and it is time blacks asserted themselves and stopped apologising at every turn for attempting to correct the debilitating situation they find themselves in, through no fault of their own.

We have the right to meet by ourselves to seek solutions to the huge crises affecting our communities, because we experience and live the pain and misery of black people in this country. Unlike 702, white people and coconuts, we do not intellectualise about our experiences, we live them: we are painfully aware of the pressures and social ills afflicting our people, especially our children and our youth.

Racists and coconuts always quote Nelson Mandela as "having no bitterness in him, why can't you be like him?" That is one of the reasons why I believe that the so-called policy of reconciliation is a farce, and the real racists have never acknowledged or appreciated the hurt and dehumanisation they visited upon us in our own country.

False sense of comfort

Because some people pretend not to know what I mean by "coconuts", I am referring to those "plastic" blacks who are shallow and superficial in outlook - those unfortunate lackeys who are trapped between aspiring to be white and denying they are black; they have only ice-cream inside their heads, and no brains.

The tendency by racists and some blacks with white girlfriends and lovers to label us as "racists" is convoluted sophistry, and I reject it outright. Perhaps it gives them a false sense of comfort to shift the unbecoming label to us, the real victims of racism.

Black journalists have the constitutional right to free assembly, meaning at such assembly we have the right to associate freely. Implicit in all this is our freedom to choose with whom to associate. What all that means is that we have the right to reject and eject from our midst whomever we wish. We do not - at least I don't - apologise for that stance.

The freedom to assemble on grounds of mutual interest is exercised - among many other groupings - by the SA Jewish Board of Deputies, the Afrikaner Sakekamer, and the Greek, Italian, and German Chambers of Commerce. I am not aware that 702 ever staged a song and dance about the exclusivity of these groups!

But 702 thought we were a soft target, and with typical arrogance they provocatively came to our meeting with the distinct purpose of causing mischief. Steven Grootes carried a tape recorder to our off-the-record briefing with Msholozi; his boss, Yusuf Abramjee, came armed with a boring speech, which he held in trembling hands, while his fawning sidekick, one Kieno Kammies, was a pathetic little "militant" proclaiming he would walk out because his white colleague had been ejected.

Mark you, FBJ interim chairperson Abbey Makoe had, in two interviews with 702, made it patently clear that the meeting would be open to black journalists only.

Abramjee pompously lectured us about our "unacceptable" decision. Kammies, trying very hard to sound important, claimed that Helen Zille and Allister Sparks had brought them - presumably meaning the 702 crowd - to where they were as journalists, and more such incredible rubbish.

I later learned that 702 news editor Katy Katopodis had asked the SAHRC to investigate the FBJ, and that Sanef had uttered similar nonsense. Sanef chairperson Jovial Rantao was himself one of Bulelani Ngcuka's favoured darkies at his blacks-only "off-the-record" briefing where Zuma was rubbished and tried in absentia. Both Sanef and 702 saw nothing wrong in that, only content to feast daily on Ngcuka's unlawful tactics and utterances!

A simple lesson

I then wrote a counter-complaint to SAHRC chairperson Jody Kollapan about the hypocrisy of 702, asking him to investigate its habit of "manufacturing news" - thereby violating the public's constitutional right to be informed with news that is honest, truthful and accurate.

If Abramjee, Katopodis, and Kammies are indeed concerned about our alleged "racism", then they are being disingenuously inconsistent: their uberbosses, the Kirsch family - the true owners of Primedia and 702 - are affiliates of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies, yet I have not once heard even a whimper of protest by our unlikely liberators Sultan Abramjee and his cohorts.

Charity ought to begin at home; Abramjee, Katopodis and the rest - if they are honest - must demand that the Kirsch dynasty cut ties with the exclusivist SAJBOD and ask the SAHRC to "investigate" it. Anything less means they are in reality grandstanding frauds, concerned only about the Kirsch shekels - which I strongly suspect to be the case.

Radio 702 must be taught a simple lesson, because they clearly do not know it: the right of freedom of association implies the freedom to choose with whom to associate or NOT to associate - with whites, in our case as the FBJ. To paraphrase Plato, in a free society free black people associate freely!

Send your comments to Jon.

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	Right of association 03/03/2008 11:51 Many thanks Jon, now I have a right to join a whites-only organisation too! I don't feel so bad after all! - xp

	Poor Jon 03/03/2008 11:52 It's strange how vocal the racist fringe has become now that Zuma is acquiring more power. Poor Jon has so mush injustice festering inside that it clouds his judgement. It's sad that he's allowed to use this forum as his personal podium. - Mampara

	We don't want Your appology 03/03/2008 11:53 As far as i am concerned who cares if you don't want to appologise, it would mean nothing anyway. Lets have a whites only meeting, i am sure it will be more to the point and efficient without you. - Paul

	Why I won't apologise ... for being a racist 03/03/2008 11:56 Racist - tanya

	employed 03/03/2008 11:58 why are you actually still employed here? i am more than confident that if any jewish, greek blablabla group had the future president of the country attending their meeting they wouldn't bar journalists of other groups from attending. so your argument to defend your racism is useless as usual. - nick

	Reponse Part 1 03/03/2008 11:58 Where to start. Firstly, we're all entiled to our opinions is it not so? So why, when people come forward to say they think the exclusve gathering is wrong, do you jump down their throats and call them coconuts? Can I call my Indian colleague a coolie now? Have we determined that using these horrid names are ok if we're black (as i am)? We need to abide by what we say is wrong accross the colour spectrum. And even if the Jewish Board and Afrikaner Forum is wrong... - Tanya M

	jon 03/03/2008 11:59 Jonboy, that chip on your shoulder is getting so heavy, you are starting to walk in circles. - Dave

	You're still.. 03/03/2008 11:59 A racist. - fern

	Why I won't apologise 03/03/2008 11:59 The ANC fought for equal rights and for the death of apartheid. The FBJ 'comitted' apartheid by excluding another race exclusivly on their skin color, that goes against the spirit of South Africa. It's that simple Jon - why can't you understand it? Maybe it is you that have cream in your head instead of brains. And talk radion 702 rule! Amandla! - NeoTEch

	South Africans not blacks or whites! 03/03/2008 11:59 "Radio 702 must be taught a simple lesson, because they clearly do not know it: the right of freedom of association implies the freedom to choose with whom to associate or NOT to associate - with whites, in our case as the FBJ. To paraphrase Plato, in a free society free black people associate freely!" Listen here BROTHER! An address by the ANC leader is something that has an affect on SOUTH AFRICANS. Just because he is black should not make this a black event. I dislike you so much it hurts :( - anon

	no way Jon 03/03/2008 11:59 Wrong, I'm no expert at the constitution, but in the way the ANC sold their struggle and dream to the world, people were not, in fact, going to have the right to assemble themselves to the exclusion of anybody else on the basis of race, even for issues that specifically concern them. I too criticise 702, for not pointing out similar transgressions earlier, that in retrospect were testing the waters for the way we are regressing now.Everything that the presidential candidate says,concerns everybdy - kwk

	Ag John 03/03/2008 11:59 You are just angry because 702 fired you after you began to lose the plot! Only been downhill since your 702 departure. - Pissed off

	Dear John 03/03/2008 12:00 U are the biggest racist I have ever met in my entire life,I am still wondering how news24 can still published your hate speech each and every week,you are nothing more than a propaganda speaker for the ANC,and it is people like you who expect and demand white children and people of today apologise for apartheid,you and the rest who think like you should get it in your heads,MY GENERATION WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR APARTHEID,stop taking it out on us!!!!!! - creech

	You are quite right! 03/03/2008 12:01 I too think there is nothing wrong with it, but let white people also, I quote "have every right to assemble by themselves". - Jason

	Quote 03/03/2008 12:02 Quote "At the outset I must disclose that I spent nearly 10 years of my life working at 702: some might say I have axes to grind and scores to settle," Yes I would say. Your insulting remarks about Abramjee, Kammies etc proves this. - Joe Combes

	Just one question 03/03/2008 12:03 All this is good and well, but what would you do and say if a group of white people held a meeting and specifically stated that it is for whites only and denied entry to blacks? - Vic

	Your statement but out of a white perspective 03/03/2008 12:03 "White people have the constit. right to free assembly, meaning at such assembly we have the right to associate freely. Implicit in all this is our freedom to choose with whom to associate, ie whites only. What all that means is that we have the right to reject and eject from our midst al the blacks and coloureds. We do not - at least I don't - apologise for that stance." If a whitey says this in the media he is slammed a racist, but its your quote almost verbatim(just modified! Jon u racist! - Ben S

	Hey Jon! 03/03/2008 12:04 You keep flapping your gums "We We We We" but do you actually live in a squatter camp? ... You're nothing but a militant blow-hard with nothing better to do. - Sevendust

	Do not Apologize 03/03/2008 12:04 Well written article, blacks should stop seeking approval from whites in establishing black forums, be it seeking to address the past inequalities or media distortions. Neither should they justify their reasons to anyone in establishing these black professional forums. As for the coconuts, they are welcome to jump together with their white masters to the nearest lake. The time for seeking "white mandate" is over and belongs to the past. They are at liberty to form their own White Forum. - Calvin Mkhize

	Sour 03/03/2008 12:04 It is so lovely to see how you insult your own people. Funny to think that the people that are trying to work toward unity are being classified as coconuts. You should definitely be working for the ANC government. It is truly sad to see the massive mountain rising infront of our nation. It does seem so strange that once again rules change based on who and what it applies too. SAD SAD SAD - Tshepo

	double standards 03/03/2008 12:05 this is very peculiar. when university students prefer to share a room with a person of the same colour they are called racist - but when you do it, it's called freedom of association. Double standards maybe?? - anon

	And You Wonder Why 03/03/2008 12:05 Sorry J-A-C-K that is why you will never be in the same league as the rest of us. Every time you say something or do something you prove it to the world that your intellect is inferior. You have just proved it again. Thanks - Proven Again

	Yawn 03/03/2008 12:05 Vintage JQ - adolescent ranting, aimed at eliciting an outraged response; the hallmark of the mediocre columnist. - wim

	Freedom of association 03/03/2008 12:05 Jon, I am a whitey. I respect your right to freedom of association. My request to you and the coconuts and hazelnuts and peanuts and whatever other nuts read your column is purely - Practise what you preach. By default any grouping of purely "White" people is then acceptable. - Jim

	As far as I know Jon... 03/03/2008 12:05 you get Jews of all colours and persuasions,so to compare your racist "FBJ" to the membership of Jewish Board of Deputies holds no water.And I also note that you continue to arrogantly display your use of the word coconut. So I take it that you are not denying that you referred to those non-whites who don't share your racist views,and with their integrity intact, walked out of the "exclusive" JZ briefing as "coconuts"? - The Truth

	Jon 03/03/2008 12:05 You really hate everything white and enjoy living in the past hey? Those seems to be the main things you write and think about. You should be more like the progressive coconuts you talk about and less like the victim of apartheid you make yourself out to be. Just a thought, leave it with you. Use it, don't use it... - chops

	Response 4 (last one) 03/03/2008 12:06 No one asked for your apology, but dont expect to get it from the innocent white people who had nothing to do with the oppression. Stop acting like you were flogged in the past, and stop your angry and revengeful thoughts, else we'll go nowhere except back. We're not helping the future generation bring on peace at all by carrying on like a bunch of hooligans, and thats a name most of us South Africans can call ourselves... - Tanya M

	Your Write 03/03/2008 12:07 Hi John, I agree totally with you. We own 10% of the JSE, 15% of the country where we are 90% of the population. Did 702 ever raised this as inhuman and against human rights. As a so-called coloured I find Kammies behaviour typical ass-leaking white "verskrik". If I was in any country I be classified as black. I am proud to be black and I find my black wife very beautifull. Away with apartheid induced complexes!!! - Gunny Morgan

	freedom 03/03/2008 12:08 you go to great lengths to rationalise and legitimise your position. is freedom absolute, equal for all now, today in SA? or is it still "payback"? honest question as i would like to know where i stand? - calvados

	Well done Jon !! 03/03/2008 12:08 Funny how you just look more like an idiot every time I read your column. - Not Jon again

	Constitution 03/03/2008 12:09 Jon, you say that "Black journalists have the constitutional right to free assembly.." I have NO problem with that BUT this VERY SAME constitution also says it's ILLEGAL to discriminate (i.e. eject/limit) people on the basis of race/sex/relligion etc. You simply CANNOT just be selective of which laws/points in the constitution you wish to adhere to. To eject white journalists basically in 'revenge for apartheid' is childish, and one wonders how objective these remaining journalists can be! - Juan

	Rubbish!!!!! 03/03/2008 12:09 You are entitled to have a meeting as you descibe, you have the right to assemble yourselfs, but you have absolutley NO RIGHT to bar any one from such a meeting, escpecially based on RACE. - fuzzy

	Blacks only 03/03/2008 12:09 That's fine by me, mate. As long as it means that whites can now also organise themselves in schools, business, neighbourhoods and other organisations in a way that expressly excludes blacks solely on the ground of their skin colour. This whole non-racial thing was never going to work anyway. - Chris

	Proven yourself wrong 03/03/2008 12:10 So according to you, apartheid was okay? I mean, wasn't that also the "rights" of whites to only associate with whites? Your logic stinks, Jon. Apartheid, FBJ, or any kind of organisation that excludes a certain race, is wrong! - Ben S

	Freedom to associate 03/03/2008 12:10 In your article you harp on freedom to associate. I must agree with this as it is a right we all have. But how do you draw the line? With the current situation at the UFS( and I do not condone what happened there) are you not taking away the students right of association when you force intergration? When you force companies to have a certain nr of black employees are you not doing the same? - NorthernExposure

	Be careful 03/03/2008 12:11 Jon, do you know what slander is. "Kirsch Shekels". i would expect a summons if i were you. - H.F Verwoerd

	Why I wont't apologise - Jon Qwelane 03/03/2008 12:11 His response is spot-on. The constitution of t.his country gives black a choice of who to associate with. Before calling the FBJ a racist organisation, all organisation that are excluding blacks must be disbanded e.g. Jewish Board, AfrikanerHandelInstituut - Monde Mhlophe

	Jon Qwelane 03/03/2008 12:11 you old fool, i reject your viewpoints on the basis that you're racist. Jog on - Mundane

	Coconuts 03/03/2008 12:11 Your article is filled with so much anger - you really need to calm down. I am black and because I disagree with a blacks-only meeting I am now a coconut? You have no right to tell me how to behave as a black person and to what morals I must aspire to. The future president of this country has absolutely no ethics and morals, having to go and look in a dictionary what "crook" means.It is blacks like you and him that are prolonging the crises in the communities. - Coconut

	met eish...ja 03/03/2008 12:11 imagine a non black leader, especially a white leader calling a meeting with white journo's only...what kinda outbursts do you think the black community would have? c'mon, this ir PURE racism, nothing else. And what is more sad, is that you as a journo took this stance and said why i wont apologise. Come to think of it, I wonder if there will be a TRC session again soon when another colour of people take over the country!!! SAD SAD SAD - yussie

	Racist 03/03/2008 12:12 You need to be arrested for your statements. Freedom of speech only goes so far dude, and jail, if not a mental institution, is the place for you. Go live in Zim man, let us heal our country, something you're not willing to do...i doubt you're suffering like most South Africans so your two cents is worth less than a Zim dollar. - Rachel

	Jon 03/03/2008 12:13 Well Jon it would seem the truth has come out.." scores to settle?" - al-pal

	there goes BEE then... 03/03/2008 12:13 So as a employer, if I have the right of freedom of association I don't have to employ any black people, because I have the right not to associate with them. (you do associate with people when you work with them) It is great to have rights only if it suits you... - dieanderOu

	Racist 702 03/03/2008 12:14 702 need a few good smacks about the head for the racist manner in which they conduct their talk shows. They pander to their largely racist white audience and contribute to the racial intolerance so pre-valent. Being part of the problem, there is no way they can offer a solution.Good for you for speaking out about them thank you Jon Q. - GBO

	What happened to racial integration and transformation? 03/03/2008 12:14 Or do those processes only apply to previously white,Afrikaans speaking universities? It's no wonder we have these racial tensions in our country with people like you fostering them. - The Truth

	Moron 03/03/2008 12:15 Jon. You are the weakest link. - moronion

	What the h???* 03/03/2008 12:16 Again, John, you are disappointing me immensely! I alway loved your columns, but lately you have become a bitter rascist. Are you bemoaning the plight of the black man while you drive a nice car and live in a "previously advantaged" community. Your column has become one of the worst. I have a better idea: Let us all stop reading Mr Qwelane's column (it is not a column anymore, but more of a bad blog!). - Oi!

	Interseting Read... 03/03/2008 12:16 Whilst I don't agree with associations based on race I'm intrigued to hear about 702's response to the JBOD issue. - hexen

	I will never apologize 03/03/2008 12:17 Bravo!!!!! - jerry

	Something else for Jon to apologize about 03/03/2008 12:17 Why the deafening silence about Mama Jackie, Jon? Where is your bravado now that she has been found guilty? - Anton

	Objective? I think not 03/03/2008 12:18 Jon: (if you even read these comments, and if you pay any attention to it, because I know columnists are usually trying to spark outrage with their articles - it's part of the job.) But you,sir, strike me as a subjective journalist filled with hatred and injustice and a poor-me attitude that goes against every grain of reconciliation. In fact, those are adjectives that shouldn't describe a good journalist at all,yet you make it abundantly clear that you have an opinion and to hell with the rest. - Ryan

	RUBBISH 03/03/2008 12:18 Jon what utter rubbish, all the organisations you name are religious or languages nothing to do with colour of skin, you are the true racist having the need to justify yourself with rubbish. I can think just how full of rubbish your letter to SAHRC is if this article is anything to go by. - Dex

	Eish!!! 03/03/2008 12:18 Idiot! - Coconut

	Whites 03/03/2008 12:18 "Implicit in all this is our freedom to choose with whom to associate." I agree fully. So do whites in schools, universities, communities, shopping centers, sport etc, etc "We have the right to meet by ourselves to seek solutions to the huge crises affecting our communities, because we experience and live the pain and misery of black people in this country." Unfortionately, the whites have to share this. - Banana Republic

	again, met eish....ja 03/03/2008 12:18 go do a google search on Jon Qwelane and see how much of an angry person he is. Jon my ou, smoke a blunt. Loose your superiority complex and come back down to earth... - yussie

	Well balanced 03/03/2008 12:19 Jon, I must admit you are a well balanced individual; you have a chip on both shoulders! - Nick S

	Jon 03/03/2008 12:19 Jon I totally agree with you. Racists and the deluded coconuts continue to do their utmot to undermine the efforts of the black race to uplift itself. Ignore the right-wing comments by the bloggers on here, I most certainly have. - VLS

	Apology for a Journalist 03/03/2008 12:20 You're no journalist Jon...you write only to be controvertial. I will not read your column again... You merely conjure up a few large words and then write a column around them...Including yourself in the larger grouping called "journalists" is like a trainee house painter calling himself an artist. - VinnyTheSaffer

	Retarded 03/03/2008 12:20 "The tendency by racists and some blacks with white girlfriends and lovers to label us as "racists" ". So now you;re judging people who are in inter racial relationships? Sjoe but you're more dumber than I thought, and you're more racist than the white people you hate so much. - LJ

	Liberationists, not racists 03/03/2008 12:20 Separatism is a valid method for liberation, cf Zionism, Pan-Africanism. But the means should not become the end. We should discuss whether we want black leadership or black exclusiveness. The ANC allowed Joe Slovo onto the NEC only in 1985. If we allow black exclusiveness, we should not condemn white exclusiveness. The whole thing can unravel. - Henri Fortuin

	Glad to have left 03/03/2008 12:21 Thanks Jon, you have reaffirmed my decision to leave SA, I am so glad I have left such a racist country, the worst racist have the the previously disadvantaged. You can have SA, it is becoming Zim and I don't want a piece of a broken country. - Ex SA

	Jon 03/03/2008 12:21 As a white person, i can only shake my head. Most of the "black" people in this country has been teaching US what it means to be racist. Always bitching and moaning about apartheid and rasicm and inequality. Get over yourselves!! Its been ages, but still the "whites" get blamed for everything. Have your little gatherings, but don't shout rasicm if we do the same. - Lorelai

	Touchie! 03/03/2008 12:22 Good idea Jon you have your forum with your black press buddies and sit in the self righteous pios of lost years at the hand of the evil colonial dictators who have underminded your people! Hell it must be great to be a virtuous racist - Dave

	Oh Cannnnaaadaa! 03/03/2008 12:23 Just another reason to vote with ones feet. - Dylan

	your apology? 03/03/2008 12:23 so a whites only get together is ok with you? really? lets see what you say if that happens. oh wait, it won't, the whites are not so racist!your article is too long to read and you are really not that important. also, take a chill pill, you are WAY to angry for a young man who didn't even live in the bad old days. - cheryl

	Secretive meeting 03/03/2008 12:23 John, we challenge you to give us an idea on what was discussed. Interesting that your forum is hiding what was discussed. Future journalistic approaches from your cronies of the BJF on corruption and poor service delivery, maybe? Selective journalism from you and your cronies in future? - SJ

	JQ 03/03/2008 12:23 I used to listen to JQ when he was at 702, whenever he said bad things about ANC, white people will call & tell him he is itelligent,but whenever he say something about Tony leon or whenever he said he support Mugabe they will call him a moron...Personally i feel most of the people are emotional they never want to adress the real issues(Racism,issues affecting black people) - PK

	HOGWASH!!! 03/03/2008 12:24 What a load of rubbish! your hate mongering is pretty obvious John. It is really sad that there are still people as narrow minded and bitter as you. Get off you soap box and get a life. I'm sure you'd be first in line to complain if it was a group of white journalists wanting to get together. The colour of your skin shouldn't determine whether or not you can attend certain events... if I'm not mistaken, wasn't that what Apartheid/ segregation was all about?? makes u wonder... - Jacqui

	Freedom to associate 03/03/2008 12:24 Jonboy, no-one really cares about you and your racist viewpoints. Why there is such an uproar I don't know. Let those who want to associate based on skin color do so. I am all for it. Soon it will be like the days of the still over-used "big excuse". Whites this side, blacks that side, brown here, yello there etc. Is that what you are aspiring to? I think racism is much more prevalent now than ever before. Tolerance is also at an all-time low. - Proud to be white

	Pity Party 03/03/2008 12:25 First to say thanks Tany M for your comment. I am white and it's refreshing to know that there are black people out there that actually do wanna move on. And in accordance to what Jon says, it's the same old pity party going on, as it is the only weapon he can use to get anywhere... So reverse racism is legal now? It's a pity, since this country after EVERYBODY'S struggle has so much going for it! - NightCrawler

	Madness 03/03/2008 12:25 So on the one side we have black people crucifying a University hostel for not wanting blacks. On the same web page a story about black who have a right to meet by themselves. I had hope for a new South Africa, but have lost it. I don't feel welcome in this country... - Jacques

	Whatever John... 03/03/2008 12:25 I think the main arguement is not the fact the BJF exists, it is the fact that white people cannot participate because they are white. Is this not the main principle behind racism, Exclusion based on Race? I think if white people were still allowed to participate because they might be able to add some value, 702 would not have made an issue. Or do we only like white people when they are expected to particpate financially in upliftment programs? - Mickey

	What on earth..... 03/03/2008 12:26 are you saying here Jon. So any well-educated, hard working, informed black person who has no problem moving on in a democratic country is a "Coconut". You have some serious issues brother!!! Maybe the FBJ should be called a "Comrade Gathering". I'm sure the "coconuts" would simply them turn a blind eye. Get over it man!!! - Kris

	whatever!! 03/03/2008 12:27 Yes we do have the right to choose who we want to associate with and who not. But what you are then also saying is that those dudes in Reitz in Bloem have the right to choose not to let blacks in their hostel! What if it was a black hostel doing it to a white guy? Would that have been racist? What if there was a FWJ? Would you lable them rasist? I'm sure you would, coz according to you all whites and coconuts are racist. But you'll never be racist, no matter how much you hate whites. - Stephan

	BWAAAA HA 03/03/2008 12:27 You bitter little man... - craig

	You losing the plot! 03/03/2008 12:27 Go get help... - Wackwack

	You're so wrong... 03/03/2008 12:27 i don't think that any of those Jewish groups will eject you from a meeting because you're the wrong colour and call you Nazi anti-semite. You seem to be trying very hard to justify a group that uses race criteria, no other cultural group has that criteria. Jews wouldnt join a Christian group, and the Christian group would not kick the Jews out from a meeting and insult them. - Lost in space

	ROFL 03/03/2008 12:28 ROFL! You crack me up dude! - JP

	Oxymoron 03/03/2008 12:28 Funny how apartheid was depicted on television by those "Whites only" signboards and somehow you seem to think what you're doing is fine.... Get a grip my friend, there's only one word for what you're doing and its called RACISM...period. - rob

	Why? 03/03/2008 12:29 I am white. I grew up in America and had nothing to do with the past. I have read a few of your opinions and you are a rasist as far as I can see. Your double stndards are disgusting and offensive. Lets hope that there are very few people that think like you do otherwise this country really is in trouble. You have my pity Jon. - Me

	Fool 03/03/2008 12:30 Jon you are fool. If it was said that only whites could assemble on the rugby field to represent their country, would you have a problem? - Paul

	Broken record 03/03/2008 12:30 Jon, you're like a broken record ... change the tune mate ... - Mike Tours

	Apologies? 03/03/2008 12:31 Now you know how all white South Africans have felt for the last 13 years and why we do not feel the need to apologise for anything anymore. - Deon

	Hypocrite 03/03/2008 12:31 Jon the SA Jewish Board of Deputies, the Afrikaner Sakekamer, and the Greek, Italian, and German Chambers of Commerce, are groupings of common INTEREST not SKIN COLOUR!! By using your logic, apartheid is then ok...you're an idiot! Calling ppl coconuts cos "they think like white ppl" as though white ppl are inferior, or saying that if you think like a white person then your head is filled with ice cream, is tantamount to racism and hate speech. You do nothing for your country or for reconciliation - OB1

	Nailed by your own comment: 03/03/2008 12:31 "Black journalists have the constitutional right to free assembly, meaning at such assembly we have the right to associate freely." - JQ White journalists dont? - Sinudeity

	Rubbish 03/03/2008 12:31 Please remove this rubbish from polluting our media - Joe Soap

	Racist 03/03/2008 12:31 Jon you have proven yourself to be a racist on numerous occasions, so I am sure you will be happy when SA becomes another Zimbabwe then you and your fellow Blacks can share the rubble. - Paul

	Why I don't apologise 03/03/2008 12:31 Dear Jon, nice to hear that "we have the right to reject and eject from our midst whomever we wish". - Luke

	You are as thick as you are rascist 03/03/2008 12:33 Jon, it seems you truly are as thick as you are rascist. The whole controversy is not about having the right to have an FBJ at all. It is because of the fact that NON-MEMBERS of the FBJ was allowed to stay PURELY because of their skin colour! If it was only FBJ members allowed then it would not have been an issue... And to constantly refer to coconuts! It merely states clearly that you have an open hatred towards white South Africans. We belong here too! Black,White,Coloured,Indian,etc. - Johan

	Nutty 03/03/2008 12:34 Well clearly you are not a coconut, just a plain Racist Nut!! - padkos

	See your own quote...it does sound like the same wishes of the Free State Res students! 03/03/2008 12:35 Implicit in all this is our freedom to choose with whom to associate. What all that means is that we have the right to reject and eject from our midst whomever we wish - JOHN2

	Afrikaner/Jews/Black 03/03/2008 12:35 Lets see, to join the Jewish board, you can change religion, and become Jewish. To join the Afrikaner business board, you can learn afrikaans, and join. For the BLACK journalist racists, err, oh, I cant change my skin colour. John = Racist - Sinudeity

	JON 03/03/2008 12:36 Jon have you wondered or asked yourself why would ZUMA want to address a blacks only forum of journalists??? the dude is trying to use you guys 4 is own image building, just reading your article makes me wonder what crap ZUMA indoctrinated you with, Jon 4 SA to move forward we need to associate with other races, so we can be able to learn about each other and promote racial tolerance, all the racial problems( SKELIEK and OFS) are as a result of arrogance,, so please grow up and quit your nonsense - CAREFUL

	Its a hard life!!! 03/03/2008 12:37 Wow Jon, it must really be hard being black and living in South Africa. I have never realised how dificult it must be to be born in a black skin. What can we do to make you feel better about yourself? - DHV

	Stop reading this drivel 03/03/2008 12:38 As long as people read and comment on Jon Q's articles, he will be published. My suggestion is to no longer open any article written by Jon so that news 24 no longer feels the need to publish his rubbish. This would make space for a new journalist that was not hit on the head by a coconut as a child. - Antelope

	Formal complaint 03/03/2008 12:38 I have laid a formal complaint regarding the hate speach portrayed in this article. I would also like to point out that while we have freedom of association that law stands secondary to the constitutional law of no discrimination based on colour. You openly condone apartheid and use derogatory terms against anyone who is more moderate than you. - Michael

	Get Fired 03/03/2008 12:39 Please get yourself fired and do us all a favour. - Get fired

	@ Retarded 03/03/2008 12:39 Retarded, i had to laugh i am SO sorry!!! "You're more dumber than i though" hahahahaha, your english is impecable! you need to go to bed earlier to rest, so your mind can grow and you can become cleverer ok? - Shirley

	Remind me... 03/03/2008 12:39 Jon how many jobs have you been fired from because you have been deemed ignorant? i bet that list will grow as rapidly as your disapproval rating. You are either really clever by inciting all these comments or really sad if you believe your own rantings - Ricky James

	White owned businesses "Right of Assembly" 03/03/2008 12:39 This means we can scratch BEE! We choose to ONLY associate with white workers. Open your eyes John. Do you not understand the concept of racism?! Or is it not racist if its black on white? You should lose your job. In fact, everyone unhappy with JQ, email SAHRC and News24. - Sinudeity

	Your argument is dubious at best... 03/03/2008 12:39 First of all who would you define as 'coconuts', those who don't agree with the FBJ?? And you're confusing cultural groups such as SA Jewish Board of Deputies with racial ones such as the FBJ, I personally feel there is nothing wrong with the FBJ but you need to make that distinction, and you glaringly fail to do so. That is the my main beef with your article, you must admit that the FBJ is NOT a cultural grouping but a racial one, be it justified or not. - manicm

	Sick and tired of colour labels 03/03/2008 12:40 I am white. My friens are all pink,blue,yeloow and whatever. I love them dearly. Who cares if I am white or you grey.When we die we are all going to one place. See you there.lets live a little without looking at colour.Sick and tired of colour labels. - Marry

	Clueless in your forum 03/03/2008 12:41 You obviously have no idea of what your parents fought for. Now you simply practice your own form of racism. I thought you were educated.Obviously you studied in Zimbabwe. - arnaut

	Affirmative Jon 03/03/2008 12:41 Jon you are a moron. We never asked for apologies, racial segregation is illegal. Do you propose the same solution from a killer who commits a crime to just apologise? No, this is more than that. If you theory of association was true, as an owner of a company, I should be free to choose who to associate with my company and only employ white people? Chances are slim! Not that I agree with the disgusting acts of the Free State residence but based on your theory, Reitz can only have whites?? Not! - Dean

	Scraping the barrel 03/03/2008 12:41 c'mon man. did you have a looming deadline and no ideas for an article ? this is scraping the barrel - TF

	Jon 03/03/2008 12:42 Once again your topic is along Racial Lines. I think you really need to go for help, whatever happened to you, can be cured with some counceling. You really are one bad racist. - Mando

	Ag leave the man alone... 03/03/2008 12:42 he's undoubtedly still angry after his favourite Mama Jackey got convicted in court. I seem to recall him saying he'd never apologise for supporting her, too......no matter what the courts found. - jonathan

	Almost! 03/03/2008 12:42 Wow! I almost had to reach for tissue ... and then reread this "article" and laughed instead. - Lee

	What the hell is wrong with you? 03/03/2008 12:42 No, seriously, what the hell is wrong with you? ?The right to chose with who you associate? was an ignorant comment at best. This was not a social event, it was a press conference which did not allow white people to attend?. Think about it?. For a so called educated man, it should not be too hard? What do you think the response would have been if it was the "federation for white attorneys"? - Natasha

	Stupid 03/03/2008 12:42 I'm no intellectual or politician, but this giuy sounds drunk. Is he on drugs or mentally ill? I've never read such rubish before. He's wasting space. - Coloured

	You're a bit right and a bit wrong 03/03/2008 12:43 Jon, it's true that you have a decent insight into 702 and that you are very aware of their inconsistencies in portraying the news. Honestly, show me a media organisation that isn't. They're all businesses. However, you have failed to hide your contempt and anger for your old colleagues or for fellow blacks and whites who live outside your norm. When carrying out something that broaches the racial topic we should always ask one question: Will this bring us together or divide us? - Barry Stuart