'Go back to India': the cry of ignorance in a nation that should know better

“WE ARE ALREADY HOME’

- JERALD VEDAN

A SCREENGRAB of a Facebook comment by Dale Thompson reads: 'You all move to India how bout that.'

EACH Diwali, the Festival of Lights, millions of South Africans of Indian origin celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, of knowledge over ignorance, and of good over evil.

Yet, as calls grow for Diwali to be recognised as a public holiday, a jarring chorus has emerged from the shadows, voices saying, “Go back to India”.

It is a bitter irony. Thirty-one years into democracy, such words still echo across social media and in public discourse - careless, racist and deeply hurtful. They betray not only a lack of respect, but a painful absence of historical knowledge.

Indians have been part of the South African story since 1652, long before the formal arrival of indentured labourers in 1860. Generations were born here, worked the sugar cane fields, built businesses, served in schools and hospitals, and fought in liberation movements.

South Africa is not just their home, it is the land watered by their ancestors’ sweat, struggle and sacrifice.

When people say, “Go back to India”, they are not speaking to foreigners. They are speaking to fellow South Africans who have lived, toiled and dreamed here for centuries.

As Nelson Mandela reminded us: “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin or his background or his religion.”

Hate is learnt, and therefore, it can be unlearnt.

I attribute these hurtful comments to the poverty of historical understanding.