Drum awards are racist

If ever the media is to speed up the socio-cultural transformation of South African society, this will not be brought about by the perpetuation of race-based thinking.
We now have popular magazine Drum launching the “Darling Awards” to “celebrate black excellence”. The much vaunted event is planned for November 7 at Birchwood Estate in Boksburg.
After 60 years of being at the forefront of fighting apartheid it is inconceivable that Drum would want to take us back to the dark days of apartheid.
One can only hope that they will immediately do away with race as a criteria for qualification for nomination. After all, the 2012 Development Indicators released by the presidency informed us that only 8.8% of people use race to define or describe themselves. Presumably, this is so low a percentage that it should be clear to everyone that South African citizens now understand their country belongs to all who live in it, black and white, united in our diversity.
I cannot for the life of me understand why a national magazine would want to deprive or deny South African artists an opportunity to compete on an equal footing. When it comes to arts, sports, music and broadcasting, South African talent has not only taken the global stage but far exceeded expectations for a society that has been free for a mere 20 years or so.
When one considers actors such as Moshidi Motshegwa, Connie Ferguson, Sophie Ndaba or Menzi Ngabane one knows that not only have they worked with whites to create some of their outstanding work but are ready to compete with anyone, irrespective of their skin colour.
I believe the initiation of this idea of “celebrating black excellence” is not only anti-constitutional but difficult to implement. In fact, it is a great hindrance to creating social cohesion or nation building that seeks to build a society based on justice, equality and reconciliation.
The people who have come up with this idea are steeped in apartheid thinking and attitude. Albert Einstein said “You cannot use the same pattern of thinking that created a problem to solve the same problem.” In this particular instance, Drum and all its partners are doing things the same way apartheid apparatchiks did them expecting different results. It is a time to put a stop to this. After all, the inclusion of outstanding and excellent actor Jamie Bartlett of Rhythm City in the finalist list puts him at a disadvantage because for most people he can easily be mistaken for white.
Difficult and challenging as it may be, the struggle was not mounted to repeat the mistakes of apartheid social and cultural engineering. If Drum wants to make a significant contribution towards social cohesion and nation building, they must be seen to effect programmes that will result in revolutionary changes in our society. But there is no way that black people, especially actors, can overcome the deep seated inferiority complex when they are presented with special awards to boost their confidence and affirm their capability.
The only commendable category in the awards is the one that will recognise an individual in the entertainment industry “who demonstrated all values of respect, integrity, courage, Ubuntu and inspiration”. No doubt, this is in line with the constitutional principles and ideals and perhaps the values espoused by the Moral Regeneration Movement.
South Africans have long committed to fight all forms of discrimination, and that includes racism. One would expect the editor in chief of Drum, Izelle Venter, to recall this initiative for strategic re-evaluation.
Perhaps what should be made clear is that all race-based competitions, events and awards in this country need not a serious rethink of strategy but have to be done away with. We are already preparing for the celebration of 20 years of democracy and freedom based on social justice and equality next year. It will be a serious indictment if we do not become agents of the change we want to see happen in our society.
Some of the founding fathers of Drum magazine such as Can Themba and Bloke Modisane were very clear about fighting for a society that will not only free blacks but result in a new society that will not judge anybody by the colour of their skin.
Drum must just drop this mad idea of “celebrating black excellence”. After all, who is black and who is not at an age where blackness — if its exists — has splintered into diversified and multiple categories.
Let us recommit ourselves to fighting all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including racism, tribalism, sexism, xenophobia and class.