I witnessed 1949 riots, 1985 attack and now this mayhem: this is what I’ve learnt

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OPINION: In each of these three circumstances I have witnessed, it is clear that in the front line were poor, vulnerable people, whose hunger and poverty rendered them easy prey to be used by those with wealth and power, writes Ela Gandhi.

I was 9 years old when I witnessed the horrific 1949 riots. At that time, I was gripped with fear, disbelief and anger. We lived at the Phoenix Settlement, in eNanda, established by Mahatma Gandhi and over the nine years of my life, I had only seen friendship, love and mutual respect among the local African and Indian communities. Suddenly what happened? My little mind could not fathom.

Eventually this coming together resulted in the defiance campaign of 1952 and later in 1955 the Congress of the People was organised where the Freedom Charter was adopted calling for the unity of all in South Africa against the apartheid policies. Still, there were some, a small minority of all races, who continued to harbour racism and hatred.

The last few days of systematic attacks again reveals clearly a hidden hand with an agenda. The precision with which the operation was carried out and the targets chosen were all part of a very well orchestrated action to destabilise. History has shown that peaceful societies exist where a sustainable partnership between all sectors of society and the State exists. In the past decade, inequality, unemployment and poverty have grown, while rampant corruption and looting of state resources became endemic and service delivery reached an all time low. Inequality grew creating an ideal situation for the use of divisive tactics.

As we look for solutions, we need to recall the voices of our leaders. Nelson Mandela said,"The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us."

 

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