CAPE TOWN IFP MEDIA OFFICE : FEBRUARY 23, 1999 

Cassim calls for establishment of shared heritage and rejection of attempts to re-racialise politics

IFP MP, Mr M.F. Cassim has denounced the Democratic Party for seeking to inherit the mantle of the New National Party by re-inventing the laager. Speaking in a debate in the National Assembly on the National Heritage Council Bill, Mr Cassim said:

"Today the DP proudly seeks to inherit the mantle of the NP and from what is apparent even to the novice politician, seeks to re-invent the laager. It will enjoy short-term gains by holding aloft to the white and brown electorate hopes that it will not cause to materialise and after that the desert will beckon.

"The unattainable dreams of all those who are in Africa but choose not to be of Africa, who deny its mores, its customs, its unique rhythm of life, its hopes and aspirations, will see it shattered and come to naught.

"The road to the future is through the heart of the black mother, the mother of all of us when time itself was born. Let all the people of South Africa hear the call. South Africa needs you, needs every one of you. Not Tony Leon who says he needs you and knows not why or wherefore!"

Mr Cassim argues that South Africa must create a shared heritage which recognises the suffering of the past and shows that South Africa can do better and be remembered for its humanity, dignity and big heartedness.

Warning against those who seek to re-racialise the politics of South Africa, Mr Cassim says:

"The challenge also extends to those who are white and brown not to go on dragging their feet from working with and amongst those who have suffered most under apartheid, sacrificed most in ending it, forgave most generously in spite of its cruel rigours. Yet there are those who are re-racialising our politics by consciously creating white and brown islands. Let me say that polarisation will destroy all the bridges we have been attempting to build."

Offering the Inkatha Freedom Party’s support to the Bill Mr Cassim says:

"With what we are putting forward today, the opportunity arises for each of us to give a little, to open our hearts and minds, to begin seeing each of us in a new light. The new beginning begins right here."

"…. We in the IFP, the most racially representative party in this democratic parliament, support the Bill on behalf of our two million supporters and many more, and entrust the Council with the task of laying bare our soul so we may see who we are and why we are what we are."

For further information: Mr M.F. Cassim MP 021 403 2994
Media Office 021 403 3172