The iafrica.com conversation around race continues. We kicked off with contributions from the iafrica.com team; followed up with a general response from iafrica.com readers; before featuring the more in-depth contributions from iafrica.com regulars Rocky and Dave Tait.

The latest contributions from readers tackle the issue of race in a logical, problem-solving manner.

Do you agree with what these readers have to say? Do you have something to add? Mail us, post a comment below, or vote in our poll.

Siboleke Timakwe

By profession, I am an IT problem manager and I always use problem management skills in addressing problems. In addressing a problem, you need to define the problem; determine its root cause; find a solution; implement and monitor the outcomes. We can do the same in addressing racism.

In South Africa we have different racial groups, such as African, Indian, Coloured, and Whites, and there is nothing wrong with that and it cannot be changed; God created us like that. The problem is racism. We need to define racism and what causes it.

A definition, from my point of view, is that racism is when one race group oppresses and underestimates the other, an unequal share of resources based on race, etc. If you refer to my definition, this also occurs at tribal level, whereby a Zulu will underestimate a Xhosa; a Hindu will underestimate a Muslim; and an English-speaking person will underestimate an Afrikaner based on tribal boundaries. The situation is worse when different tribes get married, how much more so when different race group get married. My point is: we need to first address tribalism and then we will succeed with racism.

The current generation can completely address tribalism based on the following example: most South Africans, at a tribal level, have shared education, political background, religion, sports, etc. The future generation will be able to address racism, not completely but to some extent, once they can share education, political agenda, religion, sports, etc, at racial level. Currently in South Africa, there are sports, churches, and schools defined as for whites, for blacks, for Indians, and for coloureds.

On the other hand, I see it as an abstract process to address racism. As an example, I am an African, who grew up in an African land, taught by African people in African culture and same applies to a white or an Indian or a coloured or a Chinese person. I, personally, do not think the cultural difference is a major problem. The problem is the behaviour whereby one will not respect the other race or culture; that South African resources are not equally shared; and that we oppress one another based on racial backgrounds.

Black Americans migrated from black culture to western culture to a certain extent, but this does not address racism in America. The bad behaviour among racial groups is still a concern, although it is better in America compared to other countries.

In conclusion, the problem is racism caused by bad behaviour and the solution would be to change our behaviour from bad to a positive one. Believe you me, this is a lengthy process.

Antoinette Manefeldt

I think we must first understand the definition of 'racism'. The dictionary defines it as hate for a certain race. If that is what we mean by racism, it is rife everywhere. I have heard it expressed by all kinds of people in my immediate world — South Africa and outside our borders.

“I hate X" is a universal cry — if people react differently to you, or if they aggravate or irritate you. I have heard it expressed so broadly as: “I hate people”.

We must not confuse conflict between different people as racism or difference of opinion as racism. Often the people who advocate for racism to be eradicated are the very people who keep it alive and well. Do not react — choose your reaction…do not give people power over you.

Are we different? Yes, of course... all people are unique, a point proven by finger prints. Does it make some better than other? Yes, of course. Is this all based on race? No. Is this all based on social skills? No. Then what is it based on, this difference? On who you are, who your parents were etc. The real question is: what do I do with uniqueness? The choice is yours.

If someone calls me a gorilla, do I become a gorilla? Surely not… Do I have to react to this? Is it an insult or a compliment? Do I need to spend time on it?

Racism will be with us if we allow it be with us and spend time, energy and resources on it. Let's rejoice in our difference and use it to make South Africans the great nation that our beautiful great country South Africa deserves to be.

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