In South Africa, we are all affected by racism. The whole South African system is built on racism and exclusion, and many Black people are still suffering from it as they are the most unemployed, the most underpaid, and the most unequal. Sadly, whenever they express themselves, they are accused of raising the race card.
The historical oppressive economic and social structure that still exists due the South African history has kept racism alive. Black people continue to be silenced and not allowed to share their racist lived experiences.
During one of his shows sponsored by Nando’s, Gareth Cliff was joined by DA leader John Steenhuisen and One South Africa Movement member Mudzuli Rakhivhane. During their political debate, Rakhivhane spoke about her experiences with racism, but Gareth weaponized her views and tried to silence her using a condescending attitude, saying that no one cares about racism and it is the least of South Africa’s worries.
To people’s disbelief, Steenhuisen remained silent without having the temerity to say something and reprimand Gareth. He just sat there, with a huge grin on his face, propagating the hateful narrative without taking a stance against racism.
Watch:
I Believe It's Time We Cancel Nandos And Gareth Cliff, This Can't Keep Happening In South Africa. #eNCA #RosemaryNdlovu
John Steenhuisen | Zuma | Mohale
Thabo Mbeki |Mihlali |MaYeni |R25K pic.twitter.com/QFrpjuGuAr— Viral Trends (@ViralTrends18) October 22, 2021
Nando’s silence on the matter did not spare it from the backlash. Many people are shocked that the food chain has associated itself with racists who bully a defenseless Black woman. According to them, Nando’s does not care about Gareth’s deeply problematic race politics.
Following the demand from the public to respond, Nando’s says that it supports the freedom of expression and that everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. However, the food franchise says that due to the seriousness of the allegations made against Steenhuisen and Gareth, they intend to investigate the matter.
We do not, and will never, invalidate anyone’s experiences or condone racism in any form. We are taking this serious matter under review. [2/2]
— NandosSA (@NandosSA) October 22, 2021
Opinion
I would like to believe that Nando’s is a wealthy company, and if people boycott the food chain, its workers, the majority of whom are Black, will lose their jobs and income. Yes, they have to apologize but only for keeping silent and most probably for the scandal that they find themselves in.
However, I do believe that Black people should remember that everyone, including themselves, has the Constitutional right to “freedom of speech”, thus need to be reborn and be able to debate with White people without calling them racist.