FF Plus, ANC hold talks

2010-05-19 18:08

Johannesburg - Racial polarisation and social cohesion were among the issues discussed at talks between the Freedom Front Plus and the African National Congress on Wednesday.

FF Plus leader Pieter Mulder said the party had raised its concerns about the racially charged atmosphere in the country over the last two or three months.

"We decided that anything can (be) solved by talking to each," Mulder said.

ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe said the FF Plus had also raised other issues pertaining to its "constituency".

He said the ANC would take the process further by discussing the issues raised in its structures. A follow-up meeting would also be held.

"What is important is that we started talking to one another," Mantashe said.

Among the concerns raised by the FF Plus was the dwindling use of Afrikaans in universities and schools, name changes, safety and security, and affirmative action.

On the name changes, which the FF Plus often vehemently opposes, Mantashe said there had to be a way to "allow the two histories to talk to each other". "Therefore, we cannot just do name changes willy-nilly."

While Mulder described the talks as constructive and positive, he and Mantashe said nothing concrete was agreed on.

- SAPA