The perpetuation of racial violence and inequality in South Africa is a stark reminder of the country's unfinished business in confronting its apartheid past. The brutal killings of the two Black women on the pig farm are a chilling echo of the countless atrocities committed during apartheid, where Black bodies were similarly dehumanized and disposed of with impunity.
The fact that such incidents continue to occur with alarming regularity, coupled with the brazen denial of white privilege and victimhood, speaks to the entrenched nature of systemic racism in South Africa. It is a stark reminder that the country's democratic transition was merely a first step towards justice, and that the struggle for true equality and reconciliation remains an ongoing and fraught process.
As we reflect on these tragic events, it is essential that we acknowledge the ways in which historical trauma continues to shape the lives of Black South Africans, and that we commit to dismantling the structures of oppression that perpetuate racial violence and inequality. Anything less would be a betrayal of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and justice.
Thank you for writing about this issue (ongoing racism in South Africa) so succinctly. It’s horrific, and now coupled with Islamophobia. About Trump’s white messiah complex—I’m truly speechless. Will share this far and wide
Greetings Sisonke and all the readers of these comments,
As a white South African I'm one of the beneficiaries of apartheid - indisputable. Somehow (in hospital then) I managed to miss this horror story about the women shot and left for pigs to eat. But there have been many such in our history. What is so shocking is that this particular incident was last year.
There are still many racists of various permutations in SA, likewise many Zionists. In the violent and astounding turmoil of international politics at the moment, I really love your last paragraph looking forward to peace and freedom. Despite the ongoing circus in which the White House is targeting Sourh Africa, I'm grateful to be living here with our GNU in place (so far).
Hi Sisonke, a well written and insightful review of recent history.
My race is "human", pale brown, with a long ancestry in England, and for quite a while based in AU. I've had the good fortune to be able to visit much of the northern hemisphere and am at a loss to understand this "racist" sh!t. On my travels through Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Europe and the USA, I've been very happy to mix in with the locals and go with the flow. Blend in and enjoy the cultural diversity.
The history of colonial invasion and exploitation is probably a major factor in how we got to here, but now really is the time to get real. Many planetary systems are now approaching a tipping point, and the consequences are hard to estimate. One item beyond dispute - human impact on the planet is unprecedented. How do we, as a species, move forward?
I don't know, but I'd guess a more widespread education, and careful consideration of all the complex factors that now need to be addressed to manage the uncertainty ahead. A while back I found this document which outlines some of the fundamental issues of human society living on a finite planet. It's a thoughtful outline of key elements in human interaction with the biosphere ...
In a world where everything seems to be completely upside down, the term “Afrikaner refugee program” is as absurd as it is chilling. Thanks for another brilliant article.
It seems that sadly a certain mind of old racism is becoming normalized in SA again. It's also not just the US. How many Afrikaaners leave for Australia based on their discomfort with the black majority?
The perpetuation of racial violence and inequality in South Africa is a stark reminder of the country's unfinished business in confronting its apartheid past. The brutal killings of the two Black women on the pig farm are a chilling echo of the countless atrocities committed during apartheid, where Black bodies were similarly dehumanized and disposed of with impunity.
The fact that such incidents continue to occur with alarming regularity, coupled with the brazen denial of white privilege and victimhood, speaks to the entrenched nature of systemic racism in South Africa. It is a stark reminder that the country's democratic transition was merely a first step towards justice, and that the struggle for true equality and reconciliation remains an ongoing and fraught process.
As we reflect on these tragic events, it is essential that we acknowledge the ways in which historical trauma continues to shape the lives of Black South Africans, and that we commit to dismantling the structures of oppression that perpetuate racial violence and inequality. Anything less would be a betrayal of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and justice.
Such a brilliant summation.
Thank you for writing about this issue (ongoing racism in South Africa) so succinctly. It’s horrific, and now coupled with Islamophobia. About Trump’s white messiah complex—I’m truly speechless. Will share this far and wide
Thanks Willemien — it really is a horror show.
Thank you for writing this. A necessary antidote to the bizarre upside-down world being presented to us by Trump, Afriforum etc.
Greetings Sisonke and all the readers of these comments,
As a white South African I'm one of the beneficiaries of apartheid - indisputable. Somehow (in hospital then) I managed to miss this horror story about the women shot and left for pigs to eat. But there have been many such in our history. What is so shocking is that this particular incident was last year.
There are still many racists of various permutations in SA, likewise many Zionists. In the violent and astounding turmoil of international politics at the moment, I really love your last paragraph looking forward to peace and freedom. Despite the ongoing circus in which the White House is targeting Sourh Africa, I'm grateful to be living here with our GNU in place (so far).
Joy, extinguished.
“I imagine that he came upon them talking to one another, laughing perhaps, as they worked to find something to salvage.”
Peace and joy be with their soul journey now. Forever.
Brilliant piece.
Hi Sisonke, a well written and insightful review of recent history.
My race is "human", pale brown, with a long ancestry in England, and for quite a while based in AU. I've had the good fortune to be able to visit much of the northern hemisphere and am at a loss to understand this "racist" sh!t. On my travels through Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Europe and the USA, I've been very happy to mix in with the locals and go with the flow. Blend in and enjoy the cultural diversity.
The history of colonial invasion and exploitation is probably a major factor in how we got to here, but now really is the time to get real. Many planetary systems are now approaching a tipping point, and the consequences are hard to estimate. One item beyond dispute - human impact on the planet is unprecedented. How do we, as a species, move forward?
I don't know, but I'd guess a more widespread education, and careful consideration of all the complex factors that now need to be addressed to manage the uncertainty ahead. A while back I found this document which outlines some of the fundamental issues of human society living on a finite planet. It's a thoughtful outline of key elements in human interaction with the biosphere ...
https://pages.mtu.edu/~asmayer/rural_sustain/governance/Hardin%201968.pdf
All the best, Michael Dixon 0414 421 567
The Ms so much for this Michael, will check it out.
In a world where everything seems to be completely upside down, the term “Afrikaner refugee program” is as absurd as it is chilling. Thanks for another brilliant article.
It seems that sadly a certain mind of old racism is becoming normalized in SA again. It's also not just the US. How many Afrikaaners leave for Australia based on their discomfort with the black majority?
Another brilliant piece. Thank-you.
Another brilliant piece. Thank-you.