Latest news with #RichardWilkinson
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
When crying racism becomes dangerous
Calling out racism falsely can ruin reputations and dilute the struggle against real prejudice. We must tread carefully. Perhaps the most serious accusation you can throw at anyone in our racially divided country is to accuse them of racism… because the automatic presumption of innocence is often turned on its head and the accused must prove they are not guilty. In South Africa today, with its well-documented history of white racism – and don't argue about that, because apartheid was exactly that – it's understandable that the majority of accusations of racism are levelled against whites, or non-Africans. There is even an often-touted belief that it is impossible for victims of racism to be racist themselves, which is an absurd construct. When allegations of racism turn out to be wrong – incorrect at best or deliberately trumped-up at worst – then a stigma still remains and the victims often struggle to clear their names, even when found not guilty in formal proceedings. Such seems to be the case with the head of Pretoria High School for Girls, Phillipa Erasmus, who was hung out to dry earlier this year by the Gauteng department of education over claims that white pupils were making racist comments on a supposed 'whites-only' WhatsApp group. ALSO READ: Playing race card is red herring After 12 white girls were suspended and a supposed investigation conducted by the department, the allegations of racism has turned out to be false. Yet, as lawyer and activist Richard Wilkinson correctly points out, the department seems to want to get rid of Erasmus on any charges, now that the racism claims have imploded. Now she has been found guilt of misconduct for, among other things, allowing her husband to help tend to the school gardens – for free. This state of affairs is absurd. Crying racism when there is none – like crying wolf – hurts those who are its real victims… and can encourage more racism in future. ALSO READ: 'Bring all to dialogue': Experts insist national dialogue must be people-driven Let's not ignore that reality.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bradford Welfare Advice Partnership to host unclaimed benefits events
The Bradford Welfare Advice Partnership is holding two events to help pensioners claim unclaimed benefits. Led by Bradford & Airedale Citizens Advice and Law Centre, in partnership with The Girlington Centre, Age UK, and Equality Together, the events will help pensioners to check if they are eligible for extra income and benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Housing Benefit. The events will take place at Great Horton Community Hub & Library on February 12, from 12pm to 4pm, and at BEAP Community Partnership (31 Cornwall Road) on February 26, from 10am to 2pm. Attendees will be offered complimentary refreshments, including cake. Richard Wilkinson, chief executive of Bradford & Airedale Citizens Advice, said: "Thousands of pensioners in West Yorkshire may be missing out on financial support. "Pension Credit alone can unlock further benefits, such as a free TV licence and the Winter Fuel Payment, worth nearly £500 combined." Rubina Burhan, co-chief executive of Girlington Community Centre, said: "Many people hesitate to apply for benefits due to stigma or misconceptions, but these funds are rightfully theirs. "Everyone is welcome—just drop in! "At worst, you'll enjoy a slice of cake and refreshments." The Girlington Community Centre hosts weekly sessions for those aged 65 and over, offering social activities and financial advice.
