The Reitz Four....

I recently read the opinion of a Women24 Contributor regarding the Reitz Incident and must say I totally agree with Lili...

The ideas of such persons and those in tune with them certainly need to be addressed. It is not a light-bulb moment to question if it were "white" cleaners would they have done the same...

The fact that we still see black people as cleaners, street sweepers and people that are only good to do "slave related work" is enough to teach these young white adults just that!

I was listening to a couple of white 16 year olds discussing people, and to hear how condemning and racial the discussion was, certainly didnt make me think that this came from their brains alone.

It is a reality that apartheid lives on in these young ones. just like the need to have something that you cannot afford is... We need to break this cycle, but we cannot do so when our parents and grandparents are not at peace with the idea of a rainbow nation. To in harmony with the rest of us who occupy this land.

As much as we fight AA & BEE, the country needs to equalize the balance in workplaces and business opportunities’, thus making it a little easier for non whites to apply for such benefits.

We need to be patients with the country and its efforts to yield fruit. Jumping and seeing every effort from an ANC government as a threat certainly does not advance democracy, but rather aids as a hindrance to it.

The actions of these four certainly needs to be frowned upon, whether black or white, and the notion of "us" and "them" needs a little downplay from both parties, but to exclude the obvious does nothing to stop address future related issues. Good writing, a well voiced opinion.

Jou Ma Se Pride?

It is with interest that we, as LGBTIQ people, have to endure the lack of consideration of the Pride Committee.

I am glad to see a changing face in the Chair this year, Glen De Swaart, I believe will bring wonderful changes, many we can be proud of in time to come, but this year I am not proud of his leadership, lack of inclusiveness and consideration towards coloured people by assuming that we all take on the derogatory statement of the subject line.

I am sure, better insight and clarity could have been sought months ago regarding the theme for this year and how it would affect Gay Proud People... What a laughing stock we will be with such a theme. Absolutely no correspondence were ever sought by the community it affects, and these white males - like the Apartheid years, take on the superior role by going with a theme decided among themselves.

Although I have no objections to the appointment of a new Chairperson, I believe a time has come to elect a leader who truly represents the greater demographics of the Cape Town districts, one who understands the issues of the community and who is in tune with the festivities it warrants.

There are +- 30-40 events at this year’s Pride festival and about 10 of it is classified "Free", so where’s the inclusiveness in that? Surely someone had to tell these people that not all Gays are middle aged white males, with pockets filled deep. To be quite honest, the "free" ones are not really that interesting. Not all poor gays want to listen to seminars, book reviews and attend church services - they also want to see the glamorous Diva`s and be able to party at least to one free event of its kind - an opportunity lost forever.

I think more thought and planning would have proved a different outcome, and it seems there was a lack of interest and consideration to include people from different backgrounds.

So due to all of the above, the derogatory statements and the lack of inclusiveness in taking Cape Town Pride to all communities, leaves little to be proud about, and so my presence at the Pride Festival certainly cannot support such a decision.

For those brave enough to ignore the obvious, I wish you well with the festivities.