The exploited politics of unsettled identity
Centuries of classification have left South Africa's Coloured identity in a state of confusion.
South Africa's complicated classification of Coloured individuals spans centuries, from colonial classification to apartheid institutionalisation, and remains a part of political life under democracy. Despite efforts from educators and leaders to elevate Coloured identity, ethnic nationalism continues to undermine national identity.
Educators like Alex Tabisher and Jakes Gerwel taught students to value history and culture without turning them into political weapons. Fadiel Adams' lack of intellectual grounding and relationship with his history is evident in his performance at the Madlanga Commission, where he displayed buffoonery and lack of proper articulation.
Coloureds in politics are either regarded as sell-outs in the DA or outmanoeuvred in the ANC, leading to the formation of ethnic-identity-seeking parties that fracture any sense of national patriotism. The exploitation of Coloured people's historical and current issues is a problem, but these leaders' failure to provide a plan to address it only further exploits their suffering.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
