Cape Town - Independent Media in partnership with the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union (Sactwu) are at the forefront of launching a revolutionary campaign aimed at stemming the tide of racism in South Africa.
Executive chairman at Independent Media, Doctor Iqbal Surve, and Sactwu general-secretary, Andre Kriel on Wednesday met at Sekunjalo Investments Holdings head offices in Claremont to announce the launch of the Racism: It Stops With Me campaign on February 11.
Independent Media has decided to take a firm stance against institutionalised racism against the backdrop of a recent reports of such incidents.
Penny Sparrow and Justin Van Vuuren earlier this week grabbed headlines when the pair took it upon themselves to “advocate” for the environment after beaches were filled with litter.
According to Sparrow and Van Vuuren, black people were the main reason beaches looked “disgustingly dirty” and tarnished.
Surve says the campaign would provide black individuals with the opportunity for their voices to be heard. “The narrative of black people is increasingly not heard in South Africa. Post apartheid racism is a complex issue that needs to be addressed.
"As a black professional with three degrees, an American fellowship and as an alumnus of Harvard for being part of an executive programme, a competitor called all these institutions to verify these qualifications. They didn't bother to put under scrutiny white media owners in the same way."
“Now I also make an effort to promote black professionals, specifically black women in Independent Media. Why is it 20 years later we fail to recognise black excellence?” said Surve.
Kriel said the campaign would not be one which would “fizzle” out in the media. “The anger that we are experiencing must be sustained and should not just end there.”
Independent Media platforms including social media, print, online and multimedia will be used as vehicles for the campaign. Road shows and concerts in all major cities will be organised to “educate, inform and raise awareness.”
Cape Argus
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