In the quest for a society that transcends racial barriers and embraces equality, the challenges faced by black individuals persist. The encounter with the cabinet minister and department employees, who couldn’t recommend a black dentist due to presumptions about lack or inadequate resources, underscores a mindset which I have coined “Black child miseducation.”
This miseducation encapsulates the struggle for many black graduates who, despite making what society deems as the “right choices,” find themselves unemployed. Unlike their privileged counterparts, the outcomes for the majority are influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Yes, the privileged can attribute their outcomes to choices, but for the majority, various factors contribute to success or failure, amid unequal playing fields. Unequal playing fields and barriers further compound the challenge of fitting into a system not designed to cater to their circumstances.
The recent allegations against Ms Thabi Leoka serve as a poignant reminder of the uphill battle black individuals face in dispelling doubts about their qualifications and capabilities. Thirty years post-freedom, the persistent lack of benefit of the doubt reflects a disheartening reality. It is disconcerting that some within the black community actively hinder the advancement of their peers, driven by fear of empowerment and competition.
Colonisation’s enduring impact manifests in a collective disdain for black identity, hindering the progress of those who resemble us. Even more troubling is the lack of esteem for fellow black individuals, as evidenced by the abandonment of black-owned businesses and services once their status changes.
Paradoxically, the very people who voted for a black government, ushering in transformation policies that improved countless lives, now look down on those who put them in power. The crux lies not in funding for black businesses but in cultivating a consumer base within the black community.
Navigating these difficulties requires a shift in attitudes. While we rightfully condemn fraud and mediocrity, our collective responsibility is to create a safe space where individuals don’t have to incessantly prove their worth. In a nation grappling with historical wounds, embracing ubuntu — putting ourselves in others’ shoes — becomes a powerful tool for societal transformation.
Let our criticisms and opinions be the catalyst for action. Recognising that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future, we must actively work towards dismantling the systemic obstacles hindering black excellence. By doing so, we contribute to a world where individuals are judged on merit, not stereotypes.
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Masingita Masunga, a Humanist, Media Personality, Thought Leader, and Sessional Lecturer for African Leadership at Wits Business School MBA classes, advocates not only for change in mindset but for tangible actions that pave the way for collective empowerment.
*** The views expressed in this article do not represent official policy of Jambo Africa Online or its publishers ***