The Mother of all Racism

Is the Mother City racist? Proud Capetonian Twanji Kalula shares his opinion.

Felicia Mabuza Suttle’s daughter, musician Lindiwe Suttle usually tweets about her musical adventures, and love of local fashion, but when she decided to tweet about racism in Cape Town, and asked Helen Zille what she’s doing about it, it opened up a huge can of rancid worms. 

As the two of them engaged in a heated debate around the issue, it wasn’t long before celebrities, thought leaders and ordinary citizens weighed in on this Twitter brawl that was trending nationally.

A very topical issue

This is by no means a new debate – it has been happening for years. Just days ago I had dinner with some ‘white’ friends who were visiting me from Joburg. My friend Megan shocked the table when she said that she found Cape Town racist. As a young white woman who has lived here for the last couple of months, her sentiments were unexpected and stunned us. Having explored the city with her black friends and colleagues, she says she has witnessed way more discrimination than she ever has in Jo'burg.

Being the token black Capetonian, everyone asked me to share my thoughts, and I have to admit they were really jumbled at the time. I have experienced racism in Cape Town, but do not walk around expecting it on the daily. 

So, is Cape Town racist?

We all know that generalisations are dangerous. In fact, many argue that many forms of discrimination are perpetuated by unfounded generalisations. So do I think the city of Cape Town as-a-whole is racist? No. Do some of its citizens continue commit acts of racism? Absolutely.

Having lived in this city for almost two decades I have experienced more acts of racial prejudice than I care to remember. I have been denied access to a number of establishments due to my race, endured slurs and insults from strangers. I have been followed around stores by security, searched like a criminal and have battled through some very condescending conversations. 

I have also met thousands of open-minded, dynamic people of all races who are living the ‘rainbow nation’ ideal, and embracing the excitement that comes with appreciating diversity. These people make me proud to be part of this vibrant city.

The backlash

I was a little surprised by how defensive so many people became when confronted with Suttle’s allegation. I can only guess that many took it personally, as though they were being accused of racism? Personally, if the shoe doesn’t fit, I never wear it. 

Cape Town-based TV personality Janez Vermeiren referred to the suggestion that Cape Town was racist as a “load of bulls**t” – arguing that we live in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

The real problem lies in the fact that we live under the guise of being a beautiful, cosmopolitan city, and often tend to overlook many of the real problems we experience in this city. We play down poverty, crime and other social issues, because it is so easy to live in denial and have fun here. Similarly, despite all the diversity, random incidents of racism are real.

The importance of empowerment

I don’t believe it is enough to say Cape Town is a racist city and leave it at that, or ask our politicians to do something about it. Those of us who believe in a racism-free society have a responsibility to live this vision everyday. If we are empowered, we must exercise that power in positive ways. We owe it not only to ourselves, but the many people who aren’t able to voice their grievances.  

It baffles me that I often see black people who have been denied access to an establishment on the basis of race, continue to beg bouncers and managers for admission, and then return to these same venues time and time again, to ‘pop bottles’ and throw thousands at these backward thinkers.

I have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to racism. I have written my fair share of letters to the owners of establishments that practise racial discrimination. I actively boycott businesses that are notorious for discrimination. 

I do not tolerate or surround myself with people who discriminate against anyone based on race, class, gender or sexual orientation etc. Changing the systemic discrimination is a responsibility that those of us who are empowered with many choices share. I let my choices and actions do the talking. There are tons of amazing people and places that will welcome me, for every one that won’t.

The importance of an open mind

Simply deciding that Cape Town is racist is a dangerous baseline from which to be working on a daily basis. It will cloud your judgement and distract you from enjoying the positive aspects of this city. Radio personality Anele Mdoda was right on the money when she said that sometimes we label people as racist when they are really just a**holes.  

While it is unfair to say that the entire city is racist, the fact that racism is a reality shouldn’t be ignored either. Denying the varied experiences that many people have will only perpetuate this tension and get us nowhere. Let’s talk about it - I would love to know what your views are. 

Do you think Cape Town is racist? Leave your comments below.

 

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