Katire not angry at alleged racist attackers

GOBABIS ELLANIE SMIT

Levi Katire, 28, is no longer angry at the two men who allegedly attacked him at Buffalo's bar in Gobabis, allegedly because he is black.
However, he said that although he knows that all white people in the town are not racist, there are a number of them who are.
Katire yesterday told Namibian Sun that he was overwhelmed by the response from the community and the reaction the incident has received.
The incident, over two weeks ago, has caught the attention of the entire nation and was even discussed in parliament recently. It is alleged that Katire and two friends were attacked at a members-only bar in the town because of their skin colour.
While Nico Kotze and Frederick du Plessis will hear today whether they will be granted bail or not, members of the Gobabis community plan another protest outside the court.
Katire said yesterday the incident has "technically been taken out of proportion", but added that it may be a good thing that it happened now, because of the ongoing racial tension brewing in Gobabis.
"I am not saying that all whites are racists, but there are a lot of racist white people living in Gobabis. This has caused me to suffer to the point where I almost lost my life," he said
Katire said the anger he felt is gone, but he is still left with a feeling of disappointment. "I am disappointed in the community of Gobabis and Omaheke where black and white is still an issue."
He stressed that the policy of national reconciliation is being ignored and should be taken seriously.
"A lot of white people feel superior and this is being passed on from generation to generation. It is because of their ignorance to the policy of national reconciliation. This document needs deep thought and a lot of attention," said Katire.
According to Katire, people may think that this incident was blown out of proportion, but the frustrations have been building up in the town for a long time. "The whites are just supportive of a bad white individual because of his skin colour."
Katire is, however, hopeful that that this situation will one day change through proper education.
"Maybe this happened at the right time for things to change. I feel overwhelmed that this has caught so much attention."