I learned today that the Tshwane Metro Council has decided to refuse to do small business transactions for goods less than R30 000, with white businesses.
They can call it BEE, affirmative action (AA), or even racism. It all amounts to the same thing. It is one thing to let all people tender for business and then to choose a black supplier from among equal tenders, but to simply exclude white businesses based on the colour of their skin is summed up in one word: racism.
Fourteen years ago, if any business or government entity excluded black businesses in this fashion, the whole world would have cried: "RACISM!" But, I guess, in this new politically correct world we live in, black exclusivity is about black pride, not racism! It is about empowerment, not racism!
If this government, especially the Tshwane Metro Council wants to establish a city of mutual respect, it will have to start right at the top.
This reverse racism shows absolutely no respect to those that are being disadvantaged by these new rules, no matter what form it takes.
But, then a charge of hypocrisy will be completely wasted on those who are perpetrating this new evil! In their minds, if blacks discriminate against whites it is called "fair discrimination" while if whites discriminate against blacks, it is simply called racism!
It is such a pity our constitution is so vague on the issue of discrimination. Section 9, in Chapter 2 - Bill of Rights, speaks several times of "unfair discrimination." It also speaks of "fair discrimination." However, these two phrases are never quantified, or clearly defined. "National legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination." The problem here is that the constitution has no way of determining what fair or unfair discrimination is.
Therefore, when the Tshwane Metro Council determines that whites may no longer participate in small business transactions with the Metro, it clearly seems that the constitution has no answer to that. It is also clear that the ruling party will not enact new laws to prohibit such practices and so define clearly what "unfair discrimination" is in a logically consistent manner.
The voters of this country must start speaking through their votes against this racism, and vote for a party--the ACDP--that will truly represent the people of this country.
As the capital city of South Africa, bad policies in Pretoria can truly have a negative effect for the whole of the country on so many fronts.
I would like to call on the Tshwane Metro Council to rescind this immoral decision. Rather let true business competition grow in the capital than entrenching more racism!
Update (6-Sept-2007):
Read the response from ACDP Cllr. AnneMarie Sparg of the Tshwane Metro in her media release to the news of this newfound racism in the Metro!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Tshwane Metro Council ventures further towards racism
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4 comments:
I don't agree with your use of the expression "reverse racism". I think it's more appropriate to talk about "anti-white racism". the "reverse racism" expression actually promotes racist stereotypes against white people. "reverse racism" implies there is a "norm" in racism which is white people's racism toward other racial group and so, that "racism" is a white thing. That's wrong. As your article shows, anyone can be a racist.
Please see my page : reverse racism Vs anti-white racism
The ruling party is now embarking on being racists more than ever before. They seem to focus on race rather than on good governance.
The news that officials will not be allowed to procure anything less than R30 000 from businesses that are white owned is showing the true agenda of the ruling party in the Tshwane Metro.
This decision would have caused a huge uproar if it were made in a Council meeting.
This is an absurd rule if we take into consideration that mixed marriages are allowed in South Africa. The ACDP would like to see this type of racism stopped in order to create reconciliation and harmony in the country. Why must everything be expressed in terms of race? This is totally contradictory with the slogan of the Tshwane Metro. “WE ARE THE SAME”
How can we be “THE SAME” with directives such as this from the Municipal Manger, Mr Kiba Kekana.
Bruno,
I understand what you are trying to say. However, when I used the phrase "reverse racism" I used it within the South African context where it does seem that according to PC ideas, racism can only flow from white to black and not the other way round.
However, my post did not mean to imply that racism is a one-way street. In fact, the context within which I used the phrase clearly debunks that idea anyhow.
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