LETTER: The need to accept multiracialism
Tony Leon’s concept of nonracialism refers to the disapproval of racism and racist language
In joining the debate over the DA’s recent policy changes, Tony Leon, in his customary elegant way, makes two points. The first is that with the adoption of “nonracialism” the party brings itself into line with the constitution; and second, in Leon’s opinion this will not cost the DA voters, and in particular black voters, as argued by Steven Friedman and others. Only time will tell who is right on this point.
Regarding nonracialism, I don’t believe Leon’s interpretation of the concept, or the constitution’s, is the same as that of the Zille faction of the DA. As I understand it, Leon’s concept of nonracialism, as is the case with the constitution, refers to the disapproval of “racism “and “racist” language and behaviour. But he accepts the concept of multiracialism and the SA population (among other diversities — cultural, linguistic, religious, and ethnic) as multiracial, which is certainly true of the constitution...
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