In response to a letter from a Cape-based Thomas Johnson, I am appalled that he, like Helen Zille, believes we should be appreciative of the colonial system that brought infrastructure. The colonial system was built on slavery, racism, oppression, segregation and hatred. I am sure he would understand that there is so much inequality in this country because of apartheid and its colonial twin.
Many white liberals are hypocrites whose comfort is based on the sweat of slavery and abuse of black people’s labour. Those who suffered from colonialism know the pain and suffering it caused. Many of our forefathers were not good enough in their mothers’ land when migrants came with their hands in their pockets, only to claim to own it all. At least Peter Bruce (Colonialism tweet will end Helen Zille’s career, March 17) made some sense.
I hope Johnson read that column, in which Bruce acknowledged that for a white person to fight racism he needs to be conscious of what he does and of his surroundings. Those of us who know what it is like to be discriminated against for no reason but the colour of our skin will attest that it leaves us wondering whether we can exist side by side.
I must say SA has many good white people who are contributing to the development of this country positively and with passionate discipline.
Muntonezwi Khanyile
Florida
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