Racism did not die with apartheid, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the killing of four people in Skierlik some 14 years ago is proof of the social ills plauging the country.
“It was a stark reminder to us all that racism did not die with the fall of apartheid. It showed us that there was much work still to be done to build the bridges of tolerance and understanding in our nation."
Ramaphosa made the remarks during his keynote address at the national commemoration of Human Rights Day in Koster in the North West on Monday.
“Just as the people of Sharpeville in Gauteng still bear the scars of a tragedy 62 years ago that was fueled by racial hatred, 14 years ago this community was shaken by a terrible crime.
In January 2008 a white gunman, Johan Nel, opened fire in the settlement of Skierlik, killing four people and wounding many more.
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Ramaphosa said the same racial intolerance is still experienced by many black South Africans today.
“We are reminded of this even today when we hear of incidents of racism and intolerance in schools, in workplaces, in communities, in our universities, on the roads of our country, in professional sectors, and in many other places where South Africans interface with one another.
“These incidents do sadden, they make us angry as they should, but much worse they humiliate us.”
Ramaphosa said even though racism is still a reality, the constitution affirms that South Africa belongs to all who live in it.
“It affirms that our society is rooted in non-racialism and non-sexism. It holds that our country is founded on the rule of law and that all are equal before the law.
“They may have brought back bitter memories of our past, but they have not dragged us back to that past,” added Ramaphosa.
