The defacing of statues that commemorate significant remembrances’ of historical events shows that there is either a huge gap in our education system or we are still very racial and intolerant in our thinking.

Stoning, throwing paint and human excretion and destroying these monuments are signs that we have not graduated from the indoctrination of the regime. It is not consistent with what is enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of South Africa. We must be conscious of the fact that many of these statues are major tourist attractions and serve as hallmarks and reminders of where we have come from and where we must never go again.

The most recent attack on the Mahathma Ghandi Status in Johannesburg is a clear indictment on the participation and roles played by the Indian community in the fight against racism and injustice. These actions have the potential to incite racial tension between communities. Although the culprit has been apprehended and released on bail there must be stringent measures put in place to ensure that this kind of behavior is not perpetuated or condoned.

The Minority Front Leader Mrs Shameen Thakur Rajbansi condemned these actions and calls on government to reaffirm the unity that once existed in our communities. We want a statement from the Presidency on this matter to allay the fears of persons of Indian decent, who are patriotic and committed toward the growth and development of South Africa today, like their forefathers, more than 150 years ago.

Jonathan Annipen
Minority Front
Spokesperson