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Apartheid Bench

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Rego Modise, a 17-year-old pupil at Wagpos Hoërskool in Brits, was allegedly told in no uncertain terms that the Bokkie Week, of which the hockey trials were part and which were held at Grenswag, was for "white kids only".

Few would miss the tragic irony of this incident. Sport was among the biggest casualties of apartheid.

The "whites only" policy that was inscribed on many public facilities, including schools, toilets and sporting facilities, was responsible for holding back the talents of all South Africans. The losers included whites.

It was precisely because of this "whites only" policy that South Africa was banned from showing off its sporting talents in international competition.

But soon after South Africa became a non-racial democracy with a beautiful Constitution that affirms the rights of all South Africans, we were accepted by the international community.

Consequently, children of Hoërskool Grenswag are now able to participate in all international competitions.

They have the possibility to become global stars. Once South Africa was liberated from apartheid and readmitted to the international community, sport was liberated too. It became the key symbol of reconciliation.

Who will forget President Nelson Mandela's role in promoting the image of rugby, and in turn, using it as a tool of reconciliation?.

It would not be surprising that Koen, like many other white people, regard Mandela as a darling and father of the nation.

But how is it that a section of the white community cynically hold Mandela in high regard, yet openly spit on the values of non-racialism that he stands for and are enshrined in the Constitution?

What is also tragic about the Modise incident is that it happened at a school, an institution whose public duty is to mould a new citizen free of racial prejudices.

Clearly, the struggle against racism continues.

Comments

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Fri May 24 07:15:19 SAST 2013 ::

May 11, 2012

MommaC

Read about this a few days ago.
Horrifying.
My deepest and humblest apologies to Rego Modise. I salute her parents for not just letting this slide and seriously hope that the preacher who defended this is brought to book
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May 11, 2012

imthegreatest

these people will never change.
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May 11, 2012

imthegreatest

these peopl will never change.
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May 11, 2012

Idohl

Why is the Human Rights Comission so mum, better still the Afriforum.
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May 11, 2012

Siyazama

Ag you know I so wish that white people can change their attitude because before God we are all the same. Black people are so peacefull, if you want to see racism come to Cape Town then you will see it. God bless South Africa, because the only blessing we can regard in this beautiful country is love and peace.
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May 11, 2012

RobinH

This incident is disgusting and Mr Koen should be "nailed to the wall". His principal as well, for allowing it to happen at his/her school.

However, the writer makes an asumption regarding Mr Koen, and then, based on that very uncertain assumption, the validity of which I would strongly question, she makes comments about "the white community". She assumes that Koen holds Mandela in regard, and then suggest that the regard others have for the man is false. One assumes form the fact that this is headed up as "Sowetan Editorial" that this is the view of the Editor of this paper, and if that is indeed the case, this is grossly irresponsible, and divisive. Dear Editor, I strongly object to the view you voice, and cannot help but see echoes of Boesak's highly flawed and downright arrogant and misleading article published yesterday. Is your editor adopting a particular stance in first publishing Boesak's indulgent drivel and then following it up with this insult? Sir, this is unprofessional in the extreme. An apology would be in order.

It is apparent from the comment from Siyazama, that the damage has already been done. How dare you question the honesty of an entire group based on one completely insane incident, and a ridiculous analysis by a disgraced corrupt politician. SHAME ON YOU!
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May 11, 2012

todaysnews

sickening....
an appology is not enough, he should get fired and deported to nowhere. all racist people should be deported to a land of nowhere...like in the middle of nothing with nothing.....

of do they think they are, really now.

they(racists) think they are better than all other races....based on what?
ignorant foolish people. idiots. smelly pigs.
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May 11, 2012

Sinudeity

Cool, so I can take the BMF to court as well?
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May 11, 2012

siphok

Aparthead ruled for a number of decates, Non racial gorvenment is just over a decate an a half, thus Koen or Kloen whatever his name is a byproduct of aparthead " so what do u expect". He is so dump that he cannot even use his head to think "include someone in trials and just fail him if you dont like him" an promote those who will embarass the nation with their shoddy talent! Life goes on, I have been excluded that way in my articles days as an accountant but I was better than most white boys n girls". To h ell with this kind of people"
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May 11, 2012

siphok

@ RobinH,

I take offence at people who divert issues, to non issues. The editor will never please all people but to put issues in the way thinks portray themselves in his mind, anyway this guy is a pro in his job, I like him cos he can read minds of most people an make a conclusion.
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