‘I embraced the changes’ – FC Bester

Caxton Local Newspapers has committed itself to spread a message of anti-racism and will cover various topics on the issue in the next few editions of the group’s newspapers.

The Northern Natal Courier interviewed three local businessmen, namely Mr FC Bester, Mr Sipho Mbatha and Mr Naresh Gopie as well as the Sentraal Rugby team to get a multiracial view on the issue.

One of the worst things about racism, is what it does to young people. These are the words of local business man and devoted christian, FC Bester, who was referring to the recent spate in violence and racism with #FeesMustFall.
“It is our responsibility as elders to teach the young ones,” he adds, “Schools are a great place to start.” Racism is not new, it has been around for ages. Mr Bester recalls his first encounter with racism many years ago as a senior official in a state department where he was accused of being a racist.
“I reprimanded a worker who was a person of colour and as such it looked racist,” he said.
As he ’embraced the changes” that 1994 brought with it, as a senior official, he brought opportunity to many people that now occupy senior positions to this day. In 2000, he decided to start his own business.
Mr Bester adds that the government – both local and national – must set an example and watch what they say.
“We need to change Dundee – by learning to love and understand each other,” he said, “You are never too old to learn.”
Love, religion and respect play a big role in molding the community – young and old – to better understand and respect each other.

“I love it when youngsters say Sawubona Mkhulu – I get a kick out of it.”