Race classifications won't fix the injustices of the past, De Klerk Foundation tells Ramaphosa
Image: GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa's clarifying of government's position on race-based terminology in official records has ignited debate over the country's progress in redressing the injustices of the past.
He said that while the long-term goal was to create a society where people were not divided by historical race, the use of such classifications remained a difficult but necessary part of the country's transition from its apartheid past to a future of equality.
The President was responding to questions from members of the National Assembly, particularly the Patriotic Alliance's Marlon Daniels, who asked why coloured, Indian, Khoisan and white people were not classified as African.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, the FW de Klerk Foundation said Ramaphosa's utterances in Parliament raised questions about his commitment to the National Constitution's vision of a non-racial society.
'The continued use of race classification in various laws promulgated over time, serves no purpose other than using it for political patronage and electoral support purposes,' the foundation said.
'The outcome of chasing ethnic or racial targets at the expense of expertise has had disastrous consequences at all levels of government, state-owned enterprises, and especially on service delivery at municipal level, in schools, hospitals and so many other public institutions,' it added.
'And it is the poorest of the poor, the black majority, that suffers.'
Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation, said that alternative ways of overcoming the legacies of the past should be explored, and that government should devise a new system balancing the need for redress with merit.
He suggested using a diverse and data-driven range of instruments to determine the social status of citizens. Government should also prioritise mentoring and learnership programs that primarily target economically and educationally disadvantaged people.
Furthermore, skills, expertise, and the ability to deliver should be the determining factors in appointing people to critical government positions.
'Reverting back to outdated, divisive and humiliating race-classifications and the use of employment equity targets do not help at all to overcome the injustices of the past. In fact, the past thirty years have proved that such blunt instruments do more harm than good,' Van der Rheede said.
'Any society that builds a future on ethnicity or skin colour is doomed to fail.'
He added that the country was currently bleeding talent, which if leveraged, could have greatly contributed to overcoming the legacies of the past.
In Parliament, Ramaphosa said that until South Africa had reached its goal of equality for all people, there would be circumstances when we need to use such terminology.
He said the country's national statistics agency, Stats SA, continues to use racial categories such as Black African, Coloured, Indian/Asian, and White in the census and other reporting.
'Our responsibility is to ensure that these terms ultimately make the differences they refer to less and less important, until they are rendered meaningless and no longer serve any purpose,' Ramaphosa said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
IOL Politics
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Economic Freedom Fighters: A Beacon of Hope for South Africa's Forgotten Communities
Julius Malema delivers a speech during the launch of his new political party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on July 26, 2013 in Soweto. The EFF celebrates its 12th anniversary in Khayelitsha, Cape Town today. Image: AFP Carl Niehaus As we celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) today, we are filled with a sense of revolutionary pride. This marks a celebration of a grassroots liberation movement that has been a beacon for the poor and marginalised African people, the oppressed, and the forgotten black masses of South Africa. Born from tragedy and injustice, the EFF represents the spirit of economic emancipation, turning despair into hope. From Marikana's bloodstained fields to Mthatha's flood-ravaged homes, the party's journey underscores its dedication to the poor over 12 years. In a landscape of empty promises, the EFF not only voices the forgotten's plight but lives and fights it relentlessly. The EFF's origins are rooted in the nation's sorrowful history, emerging from the 2012 Marikana massacre, where police killed 34 mineworkers during a wage strike. This exposed the exploitation of black labour in post-apartheid South Africa, which promised freedom but delivered inequality. The workers' anguish sparked radical change. On July 26, 2013, at Uncle Tom's Hall in Soweto—a site of resistance—the EFF was launched, vowing economic freedom in our lifetime. This pledge to break inequality's chains has been upheld with resolve for a dozen years. Central to the EFF's ethos are its Seven Cardinal Pillars, a blueprint to end systemic exploitation and injustice faced by black Africans. These include expropriating land without compensation, nationalising mines and banks, and providing free quality education, healthcare, and housing. They confront colonialism and apartheid's scars, calling for wealth redistribution to empower the masses. For 12 years, these pillars have guided the EFF, inspiring actions aligned with the people's needs. Over these years, the EFF has become the champion of the African poor, oppressed workers, students, landless, unemployed, and exploited black women—not just in South Africa but across Africa. It extends solidarity to the continent's forgotten, positioning itself as their voice. The party has led campaigns against gender-based violence, highlighting how patriarchy worsens poverty. A key achievement was its role in the 2015-2016 Fees Must Fall movement, where students protested high fees barring access to education. The EFF provided strategic leadership, amplifying demands in Parliament and sparking a national reckoning. From this, a new generation of EFF leaders—youth from poor backgrounds—has emerged, carrying the torch with passion. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ To the poor, the EFF is a lifeline and guardian of rights where service delivery fails. In local governance, EFF representatives have driven community upliftment in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane, and other municipalities. They've fought for better housing, water, sanitation, and infrastructure against opposition. Notably, the EFF advocates for the homeless in Alexandra, Soweto, Daveyton, Tembisa, Seshego, and townships nationwide, demanding land reclamation for self-empowerment. This aligns with the vision of people-owned land utilisation, transforming barren areas into prosperous communities. The EFF consistently advocates for the black poor's needs, from workplace exploitation and unemployment to university barriers and NYDA failures. In healthcare, it pushes for 24/7 community centres and clinics. In Johannesburg, MMC for Health Cllr Ennie Makhafola has established such facilities, ensuring timely care for the poor. MMC for Safety and Security Dr Mgcini Tshwaku has tackled drug lords, reclaimed crime-ridden buildings, and sensitised police to the poor's vulnerabilities, prioritising township safety over wealthy suburbs. The EFF is deeply rooted in communities, earning recognition as the party that cares and delivers justice. It addresses unfair dismissals, women's exploitation, denied education, and unemployment through direct campaigns. Under Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema, it challenges authority, echoing Marikana's radical spirit. This was evident in opposing electricity tariff hikes; the EFF welcomed the rejection of Eskom's 35% proposal, condemned approvals, and pressured for reviews. It fought the 2018 VAT increase from 14% to 15% as a burden on the poor and recently halted a 2025/26 proposal via legal challenges. The party also battles fuel price rises, fighting to block levy hikes through court action. This purpose has made the EFF a target of vicious attacks from the political elite and monopoly capital, as it threatens their interests. No other party faces such misrepresentation, but the EFF remains undeterred in pursuing justice. In Parliament, the EFF advances transformative laws, like the 2025 Student Debt Relief Bill by MP Sihle Lonzi. This Private Member's Bill proposes a fund to erase debts under criteria, secure qualifications despite arrears, and democratise education for impoverished youth, addressing economic liberation barriers. The EFF's commitment has recently shone during the June 2025 Eastern Cape floods in Mthatha and beyond, which destroyed lives and homes. The EFF led aid efforts, with CIC Julius Malema embodying empathy. Though the anniversary rally was planned for Mthatha, it was relocated to Khayelitsha in sensitivity to the victims' suffering, worsened by poverty and ANC neglect. Instead, support initiatives were launched, putting people first. This defines the EFF: a people's movement elevating communities. As Frantz Fanon said, political education teaches the poor that everything depends on them, the EFF lives by this wisdom. In as much as our representation in legislature is considered low, we continue to do the work ourselves, letting communities know, from Marikana to Mthatha 12 years later, that they can depend on us. * Carl Niehaus is an EFF Member of Parliament. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.


The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
ConCourt sets date for MK party's case against Ramaphosa over Mchunu
Former President Jacob Zuma and the MK party are seeking to invalidate Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on a leave. The Constitutional Court has set down a date to hear the MK party's urgent application against President Cyril Ramaphosa to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave. Former President Jacob Zuma and the MK party are seeking to invalidate Ramaphosa's decision to place Mchunu on a leave of absence and appoint Wits law Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister. They are also challenging Ramaphosa's establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption in the police. 'Applicants must file heads of argument by Sunday, 27 July 2025, at 14h00. Respondents must file heads of argument by Monday, 28 July 2025, at 14h00,' the court directed. The matter has been set down for Wednesday, 30 July at 11am. ALSO READ: Zuma says Ramaphosa has no constitutional power to suspend Mchunu Allegations KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made explosive allegations during a media briefing this month, accusing Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, of political interference in police operations. In Ramaphosa's answering affidavit on Wednesday, the president argued that the constitution gives him 'a wide berth as to how to deal with ministers' 'It is clear that I am empowered to place a minister on special leave when there are serious allegations… so that those allegations can be properly investigated,' said Ramaphosa. However, Zuma argues there's no express constitutional power allowing Ramaphosa to impose special leave on Mchunu. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa motion of no confidence: MK party requests secret ballot Zuma challenge Zuma said there are details in Ramaphosa's affidavit that Mchunu will not return as minister of police after the commission of inquiry. 'There is nothing said in the president's affidavit which justified placing Minister Mchunu on 'special leave' and thereby causing him to retain his ministerial title, salary and other perks or privileges at the expense of the long-suffering taxpayer'. Feroz Cacahlia Zuma said Ramaphosa 'openly dodges' the clear distinction between the power to appoint a minister and the different power to appoint an acting minister. 'The two are plainly not the same. The obfuscatory reference to the credentials of Prof Cachalia is nothing but deflection. For the record, no issue is taken against the professor's credentials… The issue is whether he was constitutionally qualified to be appointed by the president. The answer is that he was not.' Zuma also challenged Mchunu's version of events, portraying it as 'evasive and legally flawed', saying the minister's affidavit is a 'masterclass in evasion – it skirts the core allegations and offers no constitutional basis for the executive's conduct.' ALSO READ: Here's why Zuma's MK party wants Ramaphosa removed in 'urgent' motion of no confidence


The Citizen
17 hours ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Ramaphosa: Police probe within year
Here's your daily news update for Friday, 25 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. News today includes with some South Africans voicing their concern that the judicial commission of inquiry into the police will take too long, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday it mustn't take more than a year. Meanwhile, South Africa's law enforcement and criminal justice systems are a mess because the people running them are either corrupt, incompetent, or leave under a cloud because of political plotting, say experts. Furthermore, the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa has led to a significant increase in meat prices over the past three months. Weather tomorrow: 25 July 2025 Most provinces are in for a cloudy and wet day, while rough seas are expected to affect navigation between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Ramaphosa says Madlanga commission mustn't take more than one year With some South Africans voicing their concern that the judicial commission of inquiry into the police will take too long, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday it mustn't take more than a year. Two weeks ago, Ramaphosa announced his decision to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Picture: Gallo Images Among these were claims that police minister Senzo Mchunu – now on special leave – intervened to disband the KZN political killings task team in order to shield individuals linked to politically connected crime syndicates. CONTINUE READING: Ramaphosa says Madlanga commission mustn't take more than one year Evidence challenged in Jayden-Lee Meek murder investigation The investigating officer in the Jayden-Lee Meek murder case faced intense scrutiny during Friday's proceedings in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court, with the defence questioning critical evidence and investigative procedures. Investigating officer Nceba Diko outlined multiple red flags in suspect Tiffany Meek's behaviour while defending his investigative methods against accusations of procedural failures. Tiffany Meek in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court for a bail hearing in the murder case of her son, Jayden-Lee Meek. Picture: Gallo Images Defence attorney Noven Naidoo on Wednesday had presented Bolt e-hailing records showing Tiffany Meek left her mother's house at 5.12am on 14 May, contradicting security guard statements that placed her at the residence between 4am and 5am. CONTINUE READING: Evidence challenged in Jayden-Lee Meek murder investigation How political interference hollowed out Saps and NPA South Africa's law enforcement and criminal justice systems are a mess because the people running them are either corrupt, incompetent, or leave under a cloud because of political plotting, say experts. The instability at the top then permeates down to the lower levels of both the police and prosecuting authorities, leading to the gradual collapse SA is witnessing at the moment, they said. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu/Michel Bega Both the South African Police Service (Saps) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have seen their organisational and political heads come and go with depressing regularity, often under a cloud. CONTINUE READING: How political interference hollowed out Saps and NPA Ramaphosa motion of no confidence: MK party requests secret ballot The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has requested a secret ballot in a proposed motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa. The party's deputy president, John Hlophe, wrote to speaker of parliament Thoko Didiza on Thursday. President Cyril Ramaphosa. Picture: GCIS He gave several reasons why the MK party wanted the vote to be done through a secret ballot. CONTINUE READING: Ramaphosa motion of no confidence: MK party requests secret ballot Bad news for meat lovers in South Africa The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa has led to a significant increase in meat prices over the past three months. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. Picture: iStock Over the past months, SA has seen outbreaks in Gauteng, Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and the Free State. Recently, the department of agriculture lifted restrictions in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces after implementing intensified efforts to contain the spread of the disease. CONTINUE READING: Bad news for meat lovers in South Africa Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Gupta house sold | Meyiwa accused want charges dropped | Tammy Taylor victim speaks