We do not support any form of racism.

[Dave A]

Deputy Foreign Minister Fatima Hajaig's anti-semetic comments have already attracted a lot of press. Apparently she has apologised and withdrawn the comments, at least behind closed doors in a meeting with President Mothlanthe.

A spokesperson had this to say:

The president had "held discussions" with Hajaig, following Cabinet's fortnightly meeting on Wednesday morning, government spokesman Themba Maseko told a media briefing at Parliament.

The deputy minister had "expressed her deep regret to the president for making the statement", he said.

"She subsequently apologised unreservedly and unequivocally for the comments, and agreed to withdraw them unconditionally."

Earlier, Cabinet had "expressed concern about the statement as it was contrary to the stated polices of this government regarding anti-Semitic sentiments", he said.

Maseko said Hajaig's remarks were "something that may have been an error of judgement on her part".

While he could not divulge details of the conversation between Motlanthe and Hajaig, he said it was "safe to say that the president would have reiterated government policy that in fact anti-Semitism equates to racism in this country and we will not support any form of racism".
full story from IOL here

Is it also safe to assume that "any form of racism" does not include Black Economic Empowerment?

[garthu]

Now theres a question that could dedicate an entire forum! Reverse racism is quite acceptable, equality means nothing. But i suppose there are strong arguments both sides...

[Debbiedle]

I interviewed a Jewish youngster yesterday, he asked me whether his being Jewish was a problem to me!!!! Shows you what his experiences have been for the past 20 years of his life!!!!! The ability human beings have to stand in judgement of others whether in the form of racism, gender inequality, religious bias, language prejudice, class differences etc ad nauseum is at this very moment simply sickening me.

[Graeme]

Read a book called "Exodus" by Leon Yuris.

[Dave A]

That's pretty enigmatic! No hints as to why we should be reading it, Graeme?

[reuben]

Is it not amazing that once a public figure makes openly racist,anti semetic remark,and being brought to task it is either that they were opressed or misunderstood,funny ?? no rather sad and very concerning.

[Dave A]

It certainly is amazing to find people in high office with such narrow paradigms in a country as diverse as ours. You'd have thought exposure to people who are "different" was unavoidable and would result in a more open, tolerant and understanding mindset.

We've still got a fair way to go before equality moves from something that slips easily off the lips to something that sits in the heart.

[Graeme]

Uris' book "Exodus" describes the foundation of the modern state of Israel and how the Arabs surrounding it tried to destroy it right from the start - and the Arabs complain about racism! Some personalities in the book are fictional, but it is all very firmly based on fact. Was made into an excellent movie. The book is probably out of print now, but is worth searching for.

[Dave A]

Now let's compare the "apology" from Fatima Hajaig who, despite being Deputy Foreign Minister, obviously could not speak for herself to this apology by Julius Malema, who obviously can.

African National Congress Youth League president Julius Malema has apologised to Education Minister Naledi Pandor for comments he made about her "fake accent".

In a copy of the letter addressed to Pandor, Malema said on Thursday: "I acknowledge that the remarks I made against you were uncalled for and might have disappointed and hurt you.

"I write this letter to unconditionally apologise for those remarks."

Malema's apologies come a day after he addressed hordes of protesters at the Tshwane University of Technology where he accused Pandor of not intervening in the teachers' and later the students' grievances with management.

"She must use her fake accent to address our problems," Malema told the crowd, who later became violent and threw stones at police officers.

Malema's comments were slammed by the ANC's leadership, who said they suggested a lack of respect and dignity for the individual concerned.

"The ANCYL is entitled to express its own positions and views. However, this should be done within the norms and culture of the ANC," said spokesperson Jesse Duarte on Wednesday afternoon.

"There can be no excuse for the kind of utterances attributed to Malema."
full story from IOL here

The story continues with Julius heaping lavish praise on the Minister.
*sniff* I nearly cried