Valentino Stander
I fully understand why this campaign might not sit well with, among others, intellectuals, philosophers, activists and former freedom fighters, particularly from Coloured communities, but…
One simply cannot ignore the Coloured Lives Matter campaign and stance being spearheaded by the Patriotic Alliance.
I was born Elsies River and still reside there. I grew up predominantly coloured; therefore, my view is that Coloured is more of a culture than what we’d call a race (but that is a topic for another day).
We were not only ostracized over the years by government departments (not by the constitution) to the effect of economic and cultural deprivation. We were psychologically conditioned to a large extent to despise our own communities, support systems and other forms of structures that would help us become a self-sufficient community.
It is even difficult to support local businesses, artists and community initiatives of our own. We were, and are, left deeply traumatised and don’t even know at times if we’re coming or going. (All this is from a Slump, Ghetto and Apartheid spatial planning perspective).
ALSO READ: Persistent Spatial Inequality in Cape Town Deeply Unsettling
Back to yesterday, it was indeed a sign of resilience and courage (no matter the size), this all in the midst of doubt and scepticism from distractors. Gayton McKenzie, using a platform unapologetically to grab the bull by its horns highlighting our plight, is commendable to say the least.
Many critics will sharpen their knives to attack and discredit him, but they’ll realise soon, if not already, that Coloured people are coming out and standing up for their community no matter how small it might seem. But, however small it may seem, it is gaining momentum and will be continuing until we find our rightful place in society. A rightful place and sense of self-determination and not emulating other communities in relation to all their positive attributes and respective cultural treasures, but creating our very own. Thank you Gayton McKenzie for placing yourself directly in the firing line for Coloured People and the plight of their communities.
ALSO READ: Coloured Lives Do Matter But Not as a Political Party Slogan
I don’t think we need a “messiah” as the critics would think and ridicule us.
We need courage and motivation to fend for ourselves and our future generations. Thank you for igniting that flame Gayton Mckenzie . May you be with us until we realize one truly free Coloured community in South Africa.
It is in our hands…
Stand Up My People.
