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Shame on you, South Africa

When you were screwed over with Apartheid, the rest of us in the world did something about it. Not that we did it quickly or 'liberated' you a-la-Iraq style. But we did something. Maybe diamonds slipped the embargos. Maybe it took 20 years longer than needed. But know this; we were there. We stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity. My passport had a stamp in it saying I could not enter South Africa. Stamped by my own government. Because we were serious about boycotting Apartheid-ridden South Africa. We did not play cricket with South Africa. Why? Because we wanted to make sure they were isolated. Guess what? After many, many years of your pain and suffering and even more of your sweat, blood and tears you gained your freedom. I remember that Sunday when some dude named Nelson Mandela was released from prison. I remember because they interrupted all TV programming on our ONE TV channel town to let us know he was released. I recalled asking my mum who he was that his freedom merited interrupting my movie.

I found out much later that he was much more than just some dude. He is one of the greatest dudes who lives amongst us. And he fought for what was just.

So why am I so mad? Well, I read/heard/saw what happened to the immigrants in South Africa. How so many were killed. Because of what? Because they ran away from their own countries to yours? Because they would much rather not die at the hands of thugs in their own country? Because they want freedom? Oh how short is thy memory, South Africa. No so many years ago, you were there. You were the ones being shot at. Killed. Sent to Bantu schools. Treated as something sub-human. Need I go on? Scores of years ago, one man named Gandhi was thrown off a train there. You know what happened as a result? The whole world changed.

To see that country, that country which is supposed to be the model for Africa and the world, that country which shows harmony amongst it people, that country, that country is in chaos, killing fellow Africans. Shame on you. Shame on you for killing your fellow man. Shame on you for killing those poor bastards who tried to escape hell from other parts of the world. To escape hunger and beatings and illness. You, of all people in Africa who have suffered more than most, you have allowed this to happen.

I have always admired your country, your struggles, your triumphs (even in cricket) and now I get this? Why? How can a country from where people like Mandela and Sisulu come do this to their fellow man? Why? Because of what? Not all immigrants are terrible. I am sure some steal. I am sure some do things that make you wonder why no one gives them a good beating. But we cannot do that. Not in a civilised society. Otherwise, we are back to the Bantu days of the NP. So take stock. And sort that shit out. And please, never ever give me cause to think negatively of you.
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Dr Roshan Radhakrishnan said…
true man.. so true.. I feel exactly the same way
4:54 am
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