Craig Jermain
South Africa’s “apartheid” past has resulted in issues concerning equity playing quite an important role in the business and government sectors of the country, as we know it today. We have seen the introduction of new legislation that outlawed unfair labour practices and discrimination against minority groups. The issue of racism is however, very much alive and will take a very long time before it is outvoted. This does not mean that the problems and issues resulting from racial difficulties should not be dealt with.
Various suggestions have been made and talks have taken place, on how to approach the problems, which have arisen due to racial difficulties. Significant changes have been made since 1994, when a democratic election brought into power a black majority government. Much has already been done by government to address the problems which have arisen from racial difficulties, but it is a long process and it calls not only on government to deal with these difficulties, but all sectors of society
In the business world affirmative action has become a well – known strategy to overcome racial inequalities. This however, is not enough, as it seems to cause more problems in the workplace. Many people may feel that black workers are being given jobs based purely on the fact that they are black. Affirmative action therefore needs to be effectively managed.
A lot needs to be done to especially change the historically white male-dominated culture in the workplace. It comes down to a fundamental change in attitude and way of thinking about people who are not white. Many times these ideas about what black people can or can’t do is pre-conceived and not rooted in fact. They are merely stereotypes that have been created and passed on from generation to generation.
Affirmative action leads to diversity and this in turn may lead to fears that diversity leads to a lowering of standards. This may be true, but the onus rests on the employee to make sure that an employer is adequately qualified to perform the job into which he/she has been appointed. If not then this person needs to be adequately trained and equipped with the necessary skills.
Managers in the workplace may be committed to affirmative action, but may also be prejudiced against people from a different racial group. This may lead to ineffective management and the worker’s strengths and abilities may not be encouraged. This may in turn lead to frustration, anger and a general feeling of discontentment in the workplace.
Businesses should take the initiative to send employees to team-building workshops in order to address fears of diversity and to help change the mindsets of all those involved in the organisation. Workers must learn to see people who are of a different colour for who they are. People should be able to work together irrespective of their race, colour or language abilities. The main objective of such workshops should be to eradicate the stereotypes that exist about black workers and black people in general.
After the historic election of 1994 government made promises to eradicate many of the problems created by the apartheid regime. Problems which, one may argue, are a direct result of the system of apartheid and which lead to many of the racial difficulties that exist between blacks and whites. Problems such as the high rate of unemployment and crime need to be eradicated so those stereotypes such as “black men who walk in the street are common thieves” can become something of the past. To date a lot has been done, but much more still needs to be done. High unemployment, crime and violence still continue. Many black people also still lack basic essentials such as water and electricity. We also still face challenges of illiteracy, hunger, disease and homelessness.
Government needs to establish an economy that meets the needs of all South Africans. Plans, which focus on sustainable economic growth, must be put into place in order to address the challenges facing government. Social services need to be expanded; the police need to work on building social justice and not just control reaction to injustice and government also needs to influence business to operate without exploitation and cheap labour.
The media bombards us with hundreds of images every day and we cannot deny the powerful influence the media has in our lives. The media has the power to influence the way people think about one another and to promote a South Africa in which people learn more about and try to understand one another’s cultures. More programs, which show racial integration, need to be shown. Television stations also need to show more advertisements that promote the idea of a South Africa where people of different racial backgrounds can get along regardless of their different backgrounds.
All universities can also help to eradicate racial difficulties by putting policies in place, which advance issues such as tolerance, equality, freedom from racism and sexism, and cultural diversity.
Religious groups or leaders also have the power to promote racial harmony and a society free of discrimination. Religious leaders simply have to speak strongly against the evils of racial intolerance and show people how it is against the laws of God.
Racism is not inexplicable; there are many good reasons and explanations as to why racism has become a struggle to us human beings. We live in a world where we endure many different issues, but racism stands out boldly amongst them all. Despite racial tensions, which do exist in South Africa, there is a lack of bitterness on the part of most blacks as well as a spirit of reconciliation and patience. This may not be enough to overcome racial difficulties in our country, but it certainly is a strong vantagepoint.
