Social Media: An index for SA's race relations?

Social Media: An index for SA's race relations?

4 February 2015 5:16 PM

Former presidents FW De Klerk and Kgalema Motlanthe, and business tycoon, Johann Rupert have said that race is dividing South Africa.

Motlanthe said this was evidenced in the race rows that raged on social media in recent weeks.

They spoke at a conference yesterday held by the FW de Klerk Foundation to mark the former president’s unbanning of the ANC and other political movements 25 years ago.

“If there is one space that provides a useful index (of) racial relations in the country it is social media. In the recent past the social media space has seen torrential racial abuses across the social spectrum openly advocating the biological, historical, economic and social utility of the construct of race as the organising principle in human affairs.

“Most disheartening about this open manifestation of racial hostilities is the debilitating effects on what we are trying to build; a nation united in diversity.”

City Press Columnist, and self-described "social media sensei" Shaka Sisulu agrees with Motlanthe, saying people's true, often hidden views about other races, see the light on Twitter and other platforms:

Recommended

UK firm plans to implant microchip in workers

UK firm plans to implant microchip in workers

13 November 2018 5:49 PM

A tiny chip, implanted in the flesh between the thumb and forefinger, would enable employees to have access to their place of work.

'I felt racially profiled at Wellness Warehouse'

'I felt racially profiled at Wellness Warehouse'

13 November 2018 5:14 PM

Efua Prah shares how she felt she was racially profiled while shopping, a problem she says exists in many Cape Town outlets.

Barbara Hogan reveals how Jacob Zuma took away her executive powers as minister

Barbara Hogan reveals how Jacob Zuma took away her executive powers as minister

13 November 2018 4:37 PM

Barbara Hogan continued giving her testimony at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday.

Catch Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka in studio with John Maytham on Thursday

Catch Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka in studio with John Maytham on Thursday

13 November 2018 9:30 AM

On Thursday at 4 pm John chats to Team Dimension Data about giving bicycles to those in need.

Denel heading 'down the shoot' without international buyer

Denel heading 'down the shoot' without international buyer

12 November 2018 5:35 PM

Military and Defence Analyst at Jane's Defence Weekly Helmoed Heitman assess the state of Denel and if it's worth selling it.

Rustenburg SGB: Allegations against school didn't support a finding of racism

Rustenburg SGB: Allegations against school didn't support a finding of racism

12 November 2018 6:03 PM

The School Governing Body at Rustenburg Girls' Junior School (RGJS) has broken its silence on allegations of racism at the school.

[LISTEN] DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach withdraws her candidacy for NDPP post

[LISTEN] DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach withdraws her candidacy for NDPP post

13 November 2018 10:24 PM

Breytenbach was one of 12 candidates shortlisted for the position.

'I felt racially profiled at Wellness Warehouse'

'I felt racially profiled at Wellness Warehouse'

13 November 2018 5:14 PM

Efua Prah shares how she felt she was racially profiled while shopping, a problem she says exists in many Cape Town outlets.

Amnesty International strips Myanmar leader of top honour once awarded to Madiba

Amnesty International strips Myanmar leader of top honour once awarded to Madiba

13 November 2018 2:00 PM

The global human rights organisation revoked the Ambassador of Conscience Award it gave Aung San Suu Kyi in 2009.

Water restrictions see 17 municipal pools across CT open from December

Water restrictions see 17 municipal pools across CT open from December

13 November 2018 7:57 AM

The City of Cape Town's JP Smith says four of the existing municipal pools will be converted into salt water pools.