Racism remains a persistent threat to our constitutional democracy

UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH

- DR RAJENDRAN GOVENDER

SOUTH Africa’s history is inseparable from the painful legacy of racism. While the advent of democracy promised equality, dignity and freedom for all, incidents of racial hatred continue to surface with disturbing regularity.

The recent circulation of a video in which a woman tells Indian South Africans to “go back to India”, has once again forced the nation to confront an uncomfortable truth: racism is far from eradicated, and it affects all communities in different ways.

This incident, which occurred in a private capacity and not while the individual was on duty, has sparked widespread public outrage.

While allegations have emerged regarding the individual's place of employment, it is important to emphasise that due process must prevail. At the same time, the incident should not distract us from the broader issue — the normalisation of racist language and behaviour in everyday spaces, including on social media platforms that amplify prejudice at unprecedented speed.

Racism in South Africa is not confined to one racial group being victimised or one group being perpetrators. Black South Africans continue to face systemic racism rooted in historical inequality. Indian South Africans have endured racial hostility, xenophobic rhetoric and stereotypes, both historically and in contemporary discourse.

Coloured communities and other minorities experience their own forms of exclusion and discrimination. Selective outrage weakens the collective struggle against racism and undermines social cohesion. Importantly, this discussion must be grounded in evidence.