Sebokeng - The Gauteng provincial government is set to appoint a team of eminent people to lead dialogues on racism and xenophobia.
“I will appoint a group of eminent persons who will work with various civil society initiatives to open honest and constructive conversations on how we can build a society free from racism and xenophobia,” Gauteng Premier David Makhura said on Monday.
He made the announcement during his State of the Province Address in Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg, on Monday.
Premier Makhura’s call comes amid recent racist incidents in the country.
During his State of the Nation Address on 11 February, President Jacob Zuma called on the country to lay the foundation for a long-term programme of building a non-racial society. He also announced that Human Rights Day will be dedicated to confronting racism.
The Premier called for all residents of Gauteng to unite against racism and xenophobia wherever and whenever it manifests itself.
“There must be no room for racists in the South Africa of our dreams. Let us unite to build a non-racial society where every citizen has the means to realise their dreams,” said Premier Makhura.
He said Gauteng was the most cosmopolitan and Afropolitan province and therefore the province must take a lead in building a society that reaffirms common humanity and common national identity.
The persistent racial exclusion of black people from the mainstream of the economy remains a permanent reminder of the apartheid and colonial past.
People, especially youth, must be given urgent hope through quality education, decent employment and sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities.
“We cannot bemoan the economic and social problems plaguing our province. It is within our power to change our conditions and build a common South African identity based on equality, liberty and fraternity in our lifetime. We will restore hope and build unity among the people of Gauteng.”
Premier Makhura was welcomed by a ceremonial guard to the event, while local artists entertained guests and members of the provincial legislature. -SAnews.gov.za
