You would think that after all South Africans have been through, we’d shy away from any sort of nationalism and rather embrace the values of ubuntu, non-racialism, non-sexism and a united spirit.
But the launch of the Cape Forum this week and an emboldened Afriforum has News24 covering South Africa’s flirtation with nationalism in the publication’s Friday Briefing.
Among the writer’s included are Mpumelelo Mkhabela, Sean Jacobs, and Christi van der Westhuizen.
Mkhabela writes that our constitutional project will come under pressure if nationalist groups become the most prominent vehicle through which people feel they can best advance their rights.
Jacobs writes the rise of the Cape Forum and Operation Dudula is a concerning trend in the country, “which is becoming partialised by identity politics where parties emerge to cater to niche identities based on racial or ethnic identities.”
Van der Westhuizen writes the formation of the Cape Forum has neo-nationalist remnants of Afrikaner nationalism, which paid off for successive ruling groups.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analyses, and editorials:
CHRIS HART: Glitz and glamour, but no substance – Business Day
EDITORIAL: Time for an honest look at how we dealt with Covid – Business Day (for subscribers)
HILARY JOFFE: War shoots down Kganyago’s plans – Business Day (for subscribers)
Carol Paton | Godongwana must continue to rebuild as Mogajane leaves Treasury – Fin24 (for subscribers)
How to reclaim South Africa from the thieves through the Defend our Democracy campaign – Daily Maverick
Politicians have been stoking populist xenophobic sentiments – The Citizen (for subscribers)
