Blade in 'darkies' row
'This language is not for parlimentary use'
MEMBERS of Parliament should exercise caution when using the word "darkies" in debates, Parliament's deputy speaker Nomaindia Mfeketo ruled yesterday.
"The way in which the remark is made or the tone can make a difference. After consideration I must agree that the word might be seen as a racial label and could easily be seen as derogatory by some people.
"I would, therefore, like to urge members generally to avoid language which could be construed as offensive and provocative by others," she said.
This came after Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande lashed out at the DA's Wilmot James in a National Assembly debate on Tuesday.
James said Matric marks had been pushed up to pass students who would otherwise have failed.
But Nzimande hit back accusing James of being racist.
"If the Matric results are bad, this is taken as proof that this government of darkies is incapable. If the Matric pass rate goes up, it means the results have been manipulated by these darkies. The arrogant, sneering tone of this discourse, which is often racist, frankly, is aimed at undermining the confidence of our people in both our education system and government."
An angry DA MP Lindiwe Mazibuko demanded that Mfeketo make a ruling on whether it was parliamentary for Nzimande to use the word "darkies" in the National Assembly.
She was backed by Cope president Mosiuoa Lekota.
"A ruling must be made whether white members of this house may not criticise the government because they will be called racist," said Lekota.
But Nzimande hit back at both the DA and Cope saying: "You are portraying the DA as the best thing. We have open toilets here which are an affront to our people. Your own premier stopped the minstrels here from having a celebration".
MYMYMY
This people ba jwang mara? There are so many issues to be discusses at parliament yet they are arguing about a darkie word. I personnally dont see anything wrong with the word. Darkie its our own word and its used more in townships, its not even anything compared to Kaffir word.Ag man.Bo Lekota today they dont want to be called darkies? mhxxhm!
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Bluemas
Here is your word for today:Verse: Psalm 68:19
Blessed be the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us day by day!
- Each day, God wants to carry us in His arms.
- He is the One who can lift the burdens.
- Give Him your cares and concerns today.
- Let Him carry you day by day.
PRAYER: Lord, I bless Your name. You are a wonderful God who wants to help me. I give You my cares and concerns. Amen.
Have a good Thursday.
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Memme
This shows that they are not willing to work and deliver a good service to the nation instead they waste time arguing about a litle fucking word " DARKIES".There are serious issues that needs to be addressed here in South Africa.Report Abuse
Mbeva
Big up Blade, for the first I saw everyone awake in Parliament.Next time you see MPs snoring, call comrade Malema to sing the struggle, you will see everyone participate enthusiastically.Report Abuse
Thysmaq
Memme I totally agree with you...Bo Darkie we always tend to be misdirected by these politicians in a manner thats so barbaric...Instead of giving us service delivery they make silly arguments...Who cares if we call each other Darkies...its the same as calling WHITES "Mangamla"...But this is what happens when WE elect people with no mental muscle to do the JOB.I say let Darkies word alone and concentrate on important things.
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QueenB
Haai our parliament is just full of kids they are alwayz on each other's throats i was so ashamed when i saw this on news almost like the 5yr olds fighting for sweets sis disguisting i bet the next one is zuma i also see another round of sweets attack by tht statement he made bout the anc membership hopeless parliament hopelessReport Abuse
Memme
This is a word that we can make jokes about, It does not make any harm to anyone..Heish batho ba ko parliamenteng ba bora SIES,,, They are just wasting time on useless things.
Or kanjani boDARKIES ???
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Thysmaq
I stand to be corrected but DARKIES doenst have any racial History and it came from us boDarkie!Report Abuse
777babyface
Bluemas , after the nice verse you shared, from today your name must change from bluemas to blue sky because you have life to this future generation to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Report Abuse