We have done a lot to promote national reconciliation and nation-building. The democratic government also made the removal of racist legislation from the statutes its first task in 1994. Hon Manamela revealed last night that prejudice and racism were still very much a part of some sections of society, even in political parties that claim to be nonracial. [Applause.]
What was said by hon Manamela is supported by what former President Mandela said in his statement from the dock in 1964. He outlined the fundamental prejudice and beliefs that black people are subhuman. He said:
Menial tasks in South Africa are invariably performed by Africans. When anything has to be carried or cleaned, the white man will look around for an African to do it for him, whether the African is employed by him or not. Because of this sort of attitude, whites tend to regard Africans as a separate breed.
Maybe crude, not smooth.