Editor –

Systematic exclusion by restricting meaningful employment to minority groups ensures that our people will never realise the full potential of this very important resource. It is our responsibility, all of us, to unlock the economic value of a job.

It is our collective responsibility to deal with this to alleviate poverty and inequality in our communities, and bring an end to racialist economic apartheid.

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So the essential questions we should ask are the following:

Firstly, did racial discrimination exist in this company, was it a series of random and disconnected acts, or was it an organised and comprehensive manifestation of racism?

Secondly, did what occurred concern not only racism but a deliberate weakening of our values to promote racism? In other words, was there a deliberate attempt to weaken democratic processes to accommodate racial and other discrimination in this company?

Thirdly, did this happen at the hands of a network of alliances of persons, inside and outside of this company? All these questions need to be answered, at least to a degree.

Another question that arises is: What is the impact of all this on Constitutional goals such as equality, non-racism, non-sexism, empowerment, transformation and redressing the inequalities of the past?

Put differently, the question may be asked: To what extent is racial and other discrimination allowed by this company? We know we cannot claim justice for ourselves if it’s only reserved for some. This company still has extraordinary powers to continue with the control of racism against our people and it went unchallenged for so long because of us all.

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As consumers, we have the power to buy or not to buy.

Our aim must be to ensure an inclusive workforce to provide a livelihood and social security for all; by the same measure, all those who need employment should be equally able to have employment.

Our history demands that we should undertake the following task: accelerate inclusivity so our people have employment opportunities; step up the fight against racism and general discrimination to improve the living conditions and lives of all our people; and strengthen the capacity of those who are actively fighting against racism.

The countdown starts now.

Anthony B Malan

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