#BlackMonday protests against farm killings have deepened racial divisions in South Africa, says the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
In a statement at the weekend, it deplored the murder of farmers but expressed concerned over what unfolded during the nationwide protest on 30 October.
“All expressions of ‘us’ and ‘them’ in the contexts of a country like South Africa in 2017 are worrisome.”
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The foundation said displaying the old South African flag, while burning the national flag, disrespected history and was deeply problematic.
“Apartheid was a crime against humanity. Displaying the flag of apartheid South Africa represents support for that crime,” it said.
“There is no doubt that the Black Monday protests have deepened divides in South Africa.”
The foundation it had spent a week reflecting on the protest and consulting with concerned parties.
“We welcome, for instance, AgriSA’s assurance to us that it supports the Constitution’s provision for national symbols and distances itself from displays of the old flag like we saw a week ago.”
The foundation raised the question on whether it was time to outlaw displays of the old flag.
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“Is there a connection between the hubris of the #BlackMonday protests and the well of rage which underlies individual cases of murder on white-owned farms? How do we foster a collective revulsion at the murder of any South African, regardless of the categorisation?”
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