EDITORIAL: Insulting the intelligence of black people
Amid the ongoing debate in neighbouring South Africa, and which has spilled into Namibia, about the African National Congress’ (ANC) coalition with the predominantly white Democratic Alliance (DA), we must be careful not to make black people look like total idiots who can never set a formidable agenda and run with it.
The idea that the DA, even as a minority party in the mooted government of national unity, will outwit black people in every sphere - to the extent that apartheid may return - is insulting. It implies that, even in their majority, black people cannot make decisions that can withstand the mythical storm of white supremacy.
Apparently, on black leaders’ watch, everything in South Africa – and perhaps Namibia by implication – will go back to 1948, when a harsh, institutionalised system of racial segregation kicked in.
Black Africans fought and won the battle for democracy. They brought equality and the fundamental freedoms that we enjoy today. They have stood and passed the test of time. To now question their ability to dictate policy, because a tiny minority of previously advantaged individuals are seated in the same room, is racial degradation of black people – sadly by other black people.
Our enemies, real or perceived, must be laughing their heads off in total disbelief that, to date, we are not confident in our ability to lead those from other races. We are approaching this new economic war with a defeatist mindset. This is either petty politicking, or we have degenerated into an inferiority complex of industrial proportions.
The idea that the DA, even as a minority party in the mooted government of national unity, will outwit black people in every sphere - to the extent that apartheid may return - is insulting. It implies that, even in their majority, black people cannot make decisions that can withstand the mythical storm of white supremacy.
Apparently, on black leaders’ watch, everything in South Africa – and perhaps Namibia by implication – will go back to 1948, when a harsh, institutionalised system of racial segregation kicked in.
Black Africans fought and won the battle for democracy. They brought equality and the fundamental freedoms that we enjoy today. They have stood and passed the test of time. To now question their ability to dictate policy, because a tiny minority of previously advantaged individuals are seated in the same room, is racial degradation of black people – sadly by other black people.
Our enemies, real or perceived, must be laughing their heads off in total disbelief that, to date, we are not confident in our ability to lead those from other races. We are approaching this new economic war with a defeatist mindset. This is either petty politicking, or we have degenerated into an inferiority complex of industrial proportions.
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Namibian Sun
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