‘Bigotry, hatred, predudice – these are the ugly symptoms of a sickness that humanity has always and everywhere suffered. Racism can, will and must be defeated,” United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said.
Schools, which are institutions that should be upholding a human rights culture, recently experienced incidents of racial intolerance. There is a need for a special education lekgotla to deliberate on issues in our schools.
Many young learners shared horrible experiences at the conference of the world movement against racism that met in Durban last month.
The girl from Northern Province sharing the experience of being painted white for allegedly stealing an item in a shop particularly touched me. The pain is not over. She now feels it is wrong to be black. She was dehumanised, and relives this experience daily. It seems that for a number of learners, their school did not play a role in preparing them to be citizens. Most institutions claim to be non-racist but their claims are misleading. You will quickly see the divide when some learners go back to the poverty of a shack, while others return to houses with high, protective walls.
Another myth is that racism is just a black and white issue, while the truth is that apartheid entrenched references to people as coloureds, Indians and even as “others”. As educators we should deal with racism as it affects us. We have to accept that we are products of a racist society.
The strength that has been shown by the youth of this country should give educators a model to learn from. The young learners of this country should not be underestimated. The structural racism that happens between these groups is not highlighted, yet it exists. The biggest obstacle is the parents who are concerned that educational integration of our learners is lowering standards. Black parents are seen not to be able to participate in governing bodies.
I acknowledge that there are efforts all around the country at different levels. Schools that have attempted the difficult task of integration need to be commended. Ben Richard of the Gauteng Department of Education feels we have to heal and reconcile in our institutions. This process of healing starts with us as educators, and then we can lead our learners. We need a whole school development plan, integrating anti-racism programmes in all activities.
The integration of educators is also a big question. We should be looking at our equity plan as an opportunity for change. The acceptance of one’s ability should not be judged by race.
Educators must speak out on these issues. A nation is moulded by its education system. Even if you just start with a discussion in you own classroom, give our learners an opportunity to debate.
Madiba said: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves: Who are we to be brilliant, georgeous, talented and fabulous?” We are South Africans.
Write to Thandi Chaane, c/o the Teacher TALK/BUA, PO Box 91667 Auckland Park 2006, or e-mail: [email protected]
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, October 2001.