Anti-Racism Week launched in S. Africa amid racial tension

Civil organizations on Monday launched the Anti-Racism Week, the first of its kind in South Africa, in an attempt to stem a surge in racial tension in the country.

The campaign was designed to strengthen public dialogue around issues of race with multiple activities scheduled across the country, organizers said.

Both the Nelson Mandela and Ahmed Kathrada Foundations spearheaded the campaign in cooperation with at least 80 other organizations, under an initiative by the Anti-Racism Network of South Africa.

The organizers encouraged South Africans to identify, promote and build on good practices and initiatives to prevent, reduce and eradicate racism, and to empower communities and individuals to take action to challenge racism and to seek redress where it occurs.

The campaign will reach climax on March 21, which will be marked across South Africa as Anti-Racism Day, said Zaakirah Vadi, spokesperson of Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.

"We want people to learn about racism, talk about racism, speak out against racism and take action against racism," Vadi said.

South Africa has been gripped by a new wave of racial tension sparked by racial comments on social networks. It all started at the beginning of the New Year when Penny Sparrow, an estate agent, labelled blacks as "monkeys". Enditem