Cope commits to Racial Harmony Programme
JOHANNESBURG – The Congress of the People (Cope) has committed itself to working on a Racial Harmony Programme in light of the recent racist remarks flooding social media.
Since posts made by estate agent and member of the Democratic Alliance, Penny Sparrow, and economist Chris Hart, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and now Cope have released statements reflecting their thoughts on the racist issues engulfing South Africa at the moment.
Dennis Bloem, a spokesperson for Cope said in a press release, “Merely condemning racism will not make it vanish. Merely condemning racists will not help to reform them. Very clearly the time has come to establish a Racial Harmony Programme to educate South Africans on harmonious coexistence.
“Unfortunately, racism lives on subliminally. Cope urges every South African to accept each other on human terms devoid of racist prejudices. It is imperative that we strive to be the rainbow nation of God so that harmonious co-existence becomes possible. Our great strength as a country derives from our diversity. We need both black and white for the progress of our country. Our failure in this regard is creating tension and this could escalate into something worse.
“Many of us fought all our lives against racism because we wanted to build a united South Africa. If we do not fight to stamp out all vestiges of racism, our struggles of the past will have been in vain.
“Cope embraces the ideal of a non-racial South Africa where everyone respects everyone else without reservation. The time has come for communities to speak out lest individuals come to represent the whole.”
Cope stated that, like the majority of South Africans, it was extremely disappointed with Hart and Sparrow for taking the country back. The organisation also called on community leaders to stand up and speak out regarding racial issues.
“While we welcome the move by Standard Bank to discipline Mr Hart, and by the DA to suspend the membership of Ms Sparrow and to charge her, Cope recognises that the problem is bigger than those who let slip the racist notions they harbour. We need a societal solution that goes beyond paying lip service to nation building.
“Cope commits itself to working on a Racial Harmony Programme. Every South African citizen needs exposure to such a programme for the sake of the progress of our nation. We cannot afford to see our nation destroy itself mindlessly and stupidly, as is now happening with increasing frequency,” the statement concluded.
Details: www.congressofthepeople.org.za
