Drivers in the township usually quip about how township children are unfazed by a fast oncoming car than a slow walking cow.
This crossed my mind when I heard that the Blue Bulls and the Stormers would have their encounter in Soweto. I imagined the hysteria and the pandemonium a herd of bulls accompanied by a storm would cause to a township child. It’s worse if the bulls are blue.
It must have been a scary combination for the children!
But what was scarier was the dishonesty South Africans displayed during this period. Instead of highlighting the real reason why these two teams played in Soweto, people decided to engage in some unnecessary public relations exercise. Was it perhaps because the eyes of the world were upon us then? Still, that did not justify the disingenuousness we displayed.
The two teams came to Soweto because they were stranded. Period. Loftus Versveld the Blue Bulls home ground was off limits to them thanks to Fifa rules. The Blue Bulls therefore had no option but to host the visitors in Soweto’s Orlando Stadium. It boggles the mind why rugby administrators failed to see the strategic value of taking rugby to Soweto for all these years. After all Soweto is SA’s internationally acclaimed township, which lies less than 100km from Johannesburg, the economic hub of Africa and arguably one of the biggest cities in the world.
I must have been the only South African who was not chuffed by that circumstantial decision. The SA media bombarded us with headlines that hailed this as an act of nobility that would foster unity and nation building. I wondered how one or two matches could do that when we have failed to achieve that in the past sixteen years. But skeptical as I was about these claims, I still gave them the benefit of the doubt.
Glossing over the real problem that exists within SA rugby does not change the fact that rugby is still untransformed. The evidence played itself out on the pitch when one could hardly count ten players of colour on that pitch. Like racism South Africans do not need a PR exercise to tackle it and its attendant inequalities, but a genuine approach to eradicate it completely.
Rugby is still seen as a white sport confined within the former white areas. That is why its coming to Soweto made such big headlines. It was something unusual. Sixteen years into our democracy, Soweto hosted the first big rugby match in June 2010. We owe our sincere gratitude to Fifa, which made history for us.
The Soweto encounter presented an opportunity to all of us to constructively criticize the slow pace of transformation in rugby. It also presented an opportunity to some white South Africans in particular who had been to Soweto for the first time to see the level of deprivation blacks still lived under, including the absence of rugby as a sport of choice to the children of Soweto.
It was therefore not just an opportunity to pose for cameras just to say, I was there too. These pretentious camera moments in front of shacks and modest shebeens ironically created an us and them impression. They exposed how distant the previously advantaged still are from the previously disadvantaged. Judging from some of the pictures taken on the day, it looked as if it was a visit of the superior to the inferior and the hosts had to be thankful for their ‘state visit.’ Their actions were downright patronizing and condescending to say the least.
This should have instead been an opportunity for SA Rugby administrators to respond to the proverbial alter call, and say we wronged you, we repent from our sins. We repent from the sin of stalling transformation in rugby. Those who have been to the alter will tell you that it is a very humbling experience that lives one in tears and a desire to undo their sinful past. And clearly you’d wish to hide from cameras when you’re in such a state.
Responding to the question: “When will there be justice in Athens”? One Greek philosopher said, “There will be justice in Athens when those who do not suffer are as angry as those who do.” Transformation in rugby in particular and other areas can only be truly realized when the previously advantaged are as angry as those who were previously disadvantage. South Africans, black and white need to equally condemn a lack of transformation in rugby, in the workplace and other spheres of our lives without fear or favour.
Transformation is therefore a project that should unite all South Africans. It is a project that we all need to tackle to make sure it succeeds. That way we can be sure that we are truly a rainbow nation destined for success.
Transformation in rugby should be accompanied by development, resources and relevant structures to ensure its success. Those who are charged with the task of effecting it should not only strive to meet quotas without the above. Transformation is therefore not a mere replacement of white players with black players. That is abdication not transformation.
If rugby SA is serious about nation building and breaking racial prejudices in the sport, they need to seriously consider townships as alternative and appropriate venues for the game. They need to fast track development to be consistent with the demands on the ground. Blacks are in the majority and the fact that rugby, cricket and golf for instance were the reserve of whites should indicate the urgency to change this perception.
Rugby is still untransformed and this is the truth we should have all exposed once again then. But we sadly missed out on an opportunity to put pressure to bring change to the sport.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Addressing the issue of illegal immigrants does not make one xenophobic
At the risk of being labelled xenophobic I’d like to address the issue of illegal immigrants in South Africa. Let me start by denouncing xenophobia as an ugly and evil practice which must be completely neutered and rooted out of society. The law must therefore be tough on those who perpetuate xenophobic acts which usually manifest themselves through violence.
The Oxford dictionary describes xenophobia as “unreasonable fear and dislike of strange or foreign people”. The explanation therefore begs the question, what actually causes this ‘unreasonable fear and dislike of foreigners in SA?”
The first reason I suggest, is illegal immigrants in the country. The porous nature of our borders particularly north of the Limpopo technically renders SA a borderless state. This is in part due to the absence of patrols by the army at the border posts like it used to be in the past. The easy access to the country does not bode well for safety and security of the South African citizenry. It is also a bad reflection on the country to the international community.
It was inspiring and reassuring to see the Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu inspecting the state of our border between SA and Zimbabwe. This was accompanied by an announcement that she will deploy soldiers henceforth to patrol there. This initiative will no doubt restore the country’s dignity and generate a positive image about SA from the international community.
Whilst there is no country in the world that doesn’t have foreigners, there is also no country in the world that allows free movement of illegal immigrants. So where did we go wrong as a country? Why are our borders so porous and easily accessible to those who want to enter the country illegally?
Corruption is another phenomenon that delivers illegal immigrants into the country. In the words of former President of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda who once said; “South Africa is sick and the ailment is apartheid”. Borrowing from his words, “SA is sick and the ailment is (corruption).”
Corrupt officials will undermine the effort of the Defence Department. The army’s effort will be futile if we still have officials who accept bribes in exchange for entry to the country. Sleaze must therefore be harshly dealt with. Clamping down on corruption may just be the panacea we need to stop illegal immigrants from flowing into the country.
Thousands of South Africans fled the country to live in exile during the dark days of apartheid. Thanks to the world for welcoming them and thanks particularly to our fellow African neighbours for their graciousness.
It would however be misleading to think that the former exiles were not regulated in those countries. In countries like Tanzania and Angola exiles were confined to camps. In Zambia for instance and other parts of the world, exiles stayed among communities but their presence was well known and they were documented.
Often when the issue of illegal immigrants is raised, some rush to conclude that South Africans are xenophobic and unkind towards their fellow Africans in particular. The basis of this assertion is that South Africans should return the favour dispensed to them during the days of apartheid. This is emotional blackmail because it suggests that we owe the world and that the only way to redeem ourselves is through leniency even to the point of compromising international best practice set to govern countries. SA must never succumb to this.
The SA government recently announced the withdrawal of the special dispensation offered to Zimbabweans for the past year. To that effect, the government calls on all Zimbabweans who are in the country illegally to come clean and cede all documents obtained fraudulently. This is commendable and it sets the country on the right path.
This call should however not be limited to Zimbabweans only. It must be extended to everyone who is in the country illegally. The other day I went home in Mamelodi and I was gobsmacked by the number of Pakistani nationals who trade and live there. It was a sight to be hold and I wondered if they were in the country legally. They too must be reined in including other Asians like the Chinese, Europeans and those who come from other African states.
Most South Africans know that it is unlawful to erect shacks anywhere they deem fit. This understanding is a reflection of their respect for the country’s by-laws. It is important to note that they are not coerced to do so. It is also not because people are afraid of the draconian laws reminiscent of the apartheid era laws. It is therefore important for the government to reinforce and support this mind set by curbing those who do the opposite.
The Pretoria East scenario is a case in point where illegal immigrants have occupied land illegally for years. This occupation does not only expose the squatters to a health hazard, but it also exposes those who live in the surrounding areas to danger.
The absence of infrastructure like clean water, sanitation and electricity means that the occupants of this land access these illegally. They intercept pipes meant to supply rate payers with water and electricity. They relieve themselves out in the field and so forth. The situation is untenable.
More interestingly is the fact that these illegal immigrants who come from different countries are themselves xenophobic towards each other. The Basotho for instance won’t share space with Zimbabweans and vice versa. Zimbabweans are confined to an area next to the cemetery on the other side of the road. It is an irony that these two groups do not see eye to eye in a foreign country which they both entered into illegally. But this is also a sad reflection of how much the government has lost control over this issue.
Recently Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) successfully represented the Zimbabwean squatters who were removed by the police from the area due to construction work in progress there. Whilst this is commendable, it is sad because the people remain in the squalid conditions they lived under before the removals. It would be more helpful if (LHR) made sure that these people entered the country legally and lived under better conditions once they enter the country.
The service delivery protests which we saw in the recent past is in part due to the overload in the health, social and education sectors caused by illegal immigrants. This will make locals to turn on them due to frustration and territorialism. In other instances they can be used as an excuse for criminality disguised as xenophobia as we have seen in the past.
Anecdotal evidence shows that there are simmering tensions and anger particularly from poor areas towards illegal immigrants. This is mainly because they believe that illegal immigrants and/or foreigners take their jobs and so forth. They also accuse them of settling for less for a minimum wage making it impossible for locals to be employed because they demand the prescribed minimum wage in accordance with the labour laws.
If these festering tensions are not adequately addressed, we might see another round of xenophobic attacks towards foreigners.
As a country we should always strive for order and for the upholding of the law. Order brings with it cleanliness, crime control and crime reduction, respect for property and so forth. This would however be impossible if people keep flowing into the country illegally. That is why the government should hunt down all illegal immigrants and depot them to their respective countries.
Does that sound xenophobic to you? It sounds patriotic to me!
The Oxford dictionary describes xenophobia as “unreasonable fear and dislike of strange or foreign people”. The explanation therefore begs the question, what actually causes this ‘unreasonable fear and dislike of foreigners in SA?”
The first reason I suggest, is illegal immigrants in the country. The porous nature of our borders particularly north of the Limpopo technically renders SA a borderless state. This is in part due to the absence of patrols by the army at the border posts like it used to be in the past. The easy access to the country does not bode well for safety and security of the South African citizenry. It is also a bad reflection on the country to the international community.
It was inspiring and reassuring to see the Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu inspecting the state of our border between SA and Zimbabwe. This was accompanied by an announcement that she will deploy soldiers henceforth to patrol there. This initiative will no doubt restore the country’s dignity and generate a positive image about SA from the international community.
Whilst there is no country in the world that doesn’t have foreigners, there is also no country in the world that allows free movement of illegal immigrants. So where did we go wrong as a country? Why are our borders so porous and easily accessible to those who want to enter the country illegally?
Corruption is another phenomenon that delivers illegal immigrants into the country. In the words of former President of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda who once said; “South Africa is sick and the ailment is apartheid”. Borrowing from his words, “SA is sick and the ailment is (corruption).”
Corrupt officials will undermine the effort of the Defence Department. The army’s effort will be futile if we still have officials who accept bribes in exchange for entry to the country. Sleaze must therefore be harshly dealt with. Clamping down on corruption may just be the panacea we need to stop illegal immigrants from flowing into the country.
Thousands of South Africans fled the country to live in exile during the dark days of apartheid. Thanks to the world for welcoming them and thanks particularly to our fellow African neighbours for their graciousness.
It would however be misleading to think that the former exiles were not regulated in those countries. In countries like Tanzania and Angola exiles were confined to camps. In Zambia for instance and other parts of the world, exiles stayed among communities but their presence was well known and they were documented.
Often when the issue of illegal immigrants is raised, some rush to conclude that South Africans are xenophobic and unkind towards their fellow Africans in particular. The basis of this assertion is that South Africans should return the favour dispensed to them during the days of apartheid. This is emotional blackmail because it suggests that we owe the world and that the only way to redeem ourselves is through leniency even to the point of compromising international best practice set to govern countries. SA must never succumb to this.
The SA government recently announced the withdrawal of the special dispensation offered to Zimbabweans for the past year. To that effect, the government calls on all Zimbabweans who are in the country illegally to come clean and cede all documents obtained fraudulently. This is commendable and it sets the country on the right path.
This call should however not be limited to Zimbabweans only. It must be extended to everyone who is in the country illegally. The other day I went home in Mamelodi and I was gobsmacked by the number of Pakistani nationals who trade and live there. It was a sight to be hold and I wondered if they were in the country legally. They too must be reined in including other Asians like the Chinese, Europeans and those who come from other African states.
Most South Africans know that it is unlawful to erect shacks anywhere they deem fit. This understanding is a reflection of their respect for the country’s by-laws. It is important to note that they are not coerced to do so. It is also not because people are afraid of the draconian laws reminiscent of the apartheid era laws. It is therefore important for the government to reinforce and support this mind set by curbing those who do the opposite.
The Pretoria East scenario is a case in point where illegal immigrants have occupied land illegally for years. This occupation does not only expose the squatters to a health hazard, but it also exposes those who live in the surrounding areas to danger.
The absence of infrastructure like clean water, sanitation and electricity means that the occupants of this land access these illegally. They intercept pipes meant to supply rate payers with water and electricity. They relieve themselves out in the field and so forth. The situation is untenable.
More interestingly is the fact that these illegal immigrants who come from different countries are themselves xenophobic towards each other. The Basotho for instance won’t share space with Zimbabweans and vice versa. Zimbabweans are confined to an area next to the cemetery on the other side of the road. It is an irony that these two groups do not see eye to eye in a foreign country which they both entered into illegally. But this is also a sad reflection of how much the government has lost control over this issue.
Recently Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) successfully represented the Zimbabwean squatters who were removed by the police from the area due to construction work in progress there. Whilst this is commendable, it is sad because the people remain in the squalid conditions they lived under before the removals. It would be more helpful if (LHR) made sure that these people entered the country legally and lived under better conditions once they enter the country.
The service delivery protests which we saw in the recent past is in part due to the overload in the health, social and education sectors caused by illegal immigrants. This will make locals to turn on them due to frustration and territorialism. In other instances they can be used as an excuse for criminality disguised as xenophobia as we have seen in the past.
Anecdotal evidence shows that there are simmering tensions and anger particularly from poor areas towards illegal immigrants. This is mainly because they believe that illegal immigrants and/or foreigners take their jobs and so forth. They also accuse them of settling for less for a minimum wage making it impossible for locals to be employed because they demand the prescribed minimum wage in accordance with the labour laws.
If these festering tensions are not adequately addressed, we might see another round of xenophobic attacks towards foreigners.
As a country we should always strive for order and for the upholding of the law. Order brings with it cleanliness, crime control and crime reduction, respect for property and so forth. This would however be impossible if people keep flowing into the country illegally. That is why the government should hunt down all illegal immigrants and depot them to their respective countries.
Does that sound xenophobic to you? It sounds patriotic to me!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
One love one goal one team one nation
11 on the clock, my friend Ntutu Majija and I join the patriotic throngs which have braved the Johannesburg winter chill in the streets of Sandton to salute Bafana Bafana. It is the 9 June two days before the biggest soccer show piece in the world and the first to be hosted by the African continent.
South Africans have come out in droves in their Bafana regalia and Sandton is a melting pot of different cultures. The green and yellow shirts are the order of the day. The decorated makarapas (construction hats won at soccer matches) and the latest designer hats made in the South African flag weigh in significantly too.
Ponchos, dresses, blankets, wigs and sunglasses all made in the national flag make the event colourful. You almost feel inappropriately dressed without one of these paraphernalia. It is needless to say that some look like clowns in these. The wailing sound of the vuvuzela can be heard everywhere. South Africans wave their flags in unison to support the national team as it stands poised to take on the world. It is a true South African carnival and a sight to behold.
Sandton is on its feet, it is moving and exciting. No one is concerned about the time despite the fact that we have been waiting for Bafana Bafana for the past two hours. The Shosholoza song alternates with the tune blown from the vuvuzelas. The funny and sobering messages written on the posters make their own noise too. These range from “On Friday we will eat tacos and drink tequila (implying that we will beat Mexico come Friday 11 June) to united we stand behind Bafana Bafana”
Some compromise their personal dignity and clumsily show their ‘dexterity’ by doing the home brewed diski dance. I am convinced that the diski dance instructor would have his hands full teaching many how to do it right. But who cares?
Today we are a true rainbow nation united behind one goal to support our national team. Mzansi has already won the world cup with this show of love and unity by its people. For a moment we have forgotten about our problems and our differences as a nation. The camaraderie, joy, and laughter are a common feature on Rivonia road. Strangers embrace and hold hands with each other without any restraint. This beautiful show of our common humanity and unity should be kept alive beyond this tournament. The SA nation would otherwise be the biggest loser if it lets this slip away.
To non South Africans, this may be ‘much ado about nothing.’ But to South Africans who understand how far we have come with race relations in this country, this is a miracle. Soccer has done what politics and religion have failed to do over the years.
At exactly 13:20pm the bus carrying Bafana Bafana emerges from the hotel to great jubilation and thunderous applause. Matthew Booth, Simphiwe Shabalala, Reneilwe Letsolonyane, Itumeleng Khune and others show their appreciation through a smile and a wave and the crowd goes ballistic. The cameras click furiously, the vuvuzelas go louder and the flags go higher as the bus proceeds to Maude Street and other parts of Sandton.
People wave from the roof top of high and low buildings as the Bafana bus parade proceeds. I wave until I cannot see the bus anymore. It is a goose bump moment that leaves me with tears of joy. I feel lucky to be a South African today.
Good luck Bafana!
South Africans have come out in droves in their Bafana regalia and Sandton is a melting pot of different cultures. The green and yellow shirts are the order of the day. The decorated makarapas (construction hats won at soccer matches) and the latest designer hats made in the South African flag weigh in significantly too.
Ponchos, dresses, blankets, wigs and sunglasses all made in the national flag make the event colourful. You almost feel inappropriately dressed without one of these paraphernalia. It is needless to say that some look like clowns in these. The wailing sound of the vuvuzela can be heard everywhere. South Africans wave their flags in unison to support the national team as it stands poised to take on the world. It is a true South African carnival and a sight to behold.
Sandton is on its feet, it is moving and exciting. No one is concerned about the time despite the fact that we have been waiting for Bafana Bafana for the past two hours. The Shosholoza song alternates with the tune blown from the vuvuzelas. The funny and sobering messages written on the posters make their own noise too. These range from “On Friday we will eat tacos and drink tequila (implying that we will beat Mexico come Friday 11 June) to united we stand behind Bafana Bafana”
Some compromise their personal dignity and clumsily show their ‘dexterity’ by doing the home brewed diski dance. I am convinced that the diski dance instructor would have his hands full teaching many how to do it right. But who cares?
Today we are a true rainbow nation united behind one goal to support our national team. Mzansi has already won the world cup with this show of love and unity by its people. For a moment we have forgotten about our problems and our differences as a nation. The camaraderie, joy, and laughter are a common feature on Rivonia road. Strangers embrace and hold hands with each other without any restraint. This beautiful show of our common humanity and unity should be kept alive beyond this tournament. The SA nation would otherwise be the biggest loser if it lets this slip away.
To non South Africans, this may be ‘much ado about nothing.’ But to South Africans who understand how far we have come with race relations in this country, this is a miracle. Soccer has done what politics and religion have failed to do over the years.
At exactly 13:20pm the bus carrying Bafana Bafana emerges from the hotel to great jubilation and thunderous applause. Matthew Booth, Simphiwe Shabalala, Reneilwe Letsolonyane, Itumeleng Khune and others show their appreciation through a smile and a wave and the crowd goes ballistic. The cameras click furiously, the vuvuzelas go louder and the flags go higher as the bus proceeds to Maude Street and other parts of Sandton.
People wave from the roof top of high and low buildings as the Bafana bus parade proceeds. I wave until I cannot see the bus anymore. It is a goose bump moment that leaves me with tears of joy. I feel lucky to be a South African today.
Good luck Bafana!
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