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In this thought-provoking episode, Rajan Nazran engages in a remarkable conversation with two distinguished guests from South Africa, Proportional Representative of African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) Ronald Harris and Global Indian correspondent Narendh Ganesh. Together, they delve into pressing questions that threaten the future of minority communities in the nation.

The amendment of the Employment Equity Act in 2023 has raised concerns about the equality of rights and labour laws within South Africa. As legal changes unfold, there is a growing fear that specific communities will gain unfair privilege, leaving competent individuals excluded from the workforce. This issue holds immense significance for a developing country like South Africa, as it appears to be succumbing to reverse apartheid, marginalising whites, coloured individuals, and Indians. 

Ronald Harris calls for a new perspective on South Africa that goes beyond Nelson Mandela's legacy. Beneath the surface, a severe undercurrent flows within the nation, exacerbated by identity politics further dividing society into privilege levels. The current government's failure to foster a national consciousness among its people worsens the situation. 

While Ronald Harris identifies as African and then as South African, Narendh Ganesh identifies as a South African-Indian, highlighting the disappointment that these issues persist in a democratic country where all citizens voted as 'South Africans.' In an increasingly migratory world, the blurry notions of identity and belonging threaten our collective existence.

The absence of public participation in shaping the Employment Equity Act amendment raises suspicions about its implementation. South Africa faces significant economic challenges, and "Black privilege" has become synonymous with various aspects, requiring careful consideration. They emphasise the need for prioritising merit over entitlement, introducing the concept of merit into society. 

The coloured and Indian communities contribute significantly to South African society, and the country belongs to all its inhabitants, irrespective of race, skin colour, or ancestry.

The government's broken promises of equal employment opportunities constitute blatant discrimination against minority groups disguised as transformation. Moreover, the disconcerting silence from the Black community adds to the distressing scenario. 

As the conversation concludes, Narendh Ganesh suggests two approaches to address this situation: initiating a defiance campaign and promoting the idea of 'fit for purpose.'

Join us in unravelling the complexities of South Africa's minority issues on the Global Indian Podcast. Let's foster dialogue and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

About Ronald Harris:

 

Ronald Harris, a native of Johannesburg, has lived there for 69 years. He has been happily married to the same woman for 42 years and is the proud father of two daughters and four grandchildren.

Ronald's journey into politics began in 1970 when the late humanitarian Dr Don Mattera inspired him. Under Mattera's guidance, Ronald and his peers embraced the ideology of Black Consciousness, as advocated by Steve Biko. In 1972, Ronald enrolled at the University of Western Cape, the only institution designated for educating Coloured people in South Africa. He had to pause his education while studying Political Science and Public Administration due to the 1976 uprising.

Later, Ronald pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through a joint program offered by The Open University (London) and the University of South Africa (UNISA). He completed his degree in 2004.

Throughout his career, Ronald worked in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods sector until his retirement in 2011. Following his retirement, he served as the CEO of a registered Social Housing Institution. In November 2021, he was elected to the City of Johannesburg as a Proportional Representative, representing the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP). 

His primary focus lies in delivering quality services to the community. However, Ronald laments that the current environment emphasises navigating the complexities of identity politics rather than fostering a National Consciousness and establishing a developmental State within a Pan-African framework.

About Narendh Ganesh:

 

Narendh Ganesh is a Global Indian correspondent. He is the Chairman and Founder of the National Independent Congress of South Africa (NICSA), a political party formed and registered with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to contest the 2024 National and Provincial elections in South Africa.

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