“The K-word is the most notorious word in South Africa. It is known most pointedly for its license of violence towards blacks during apartheid.” – Dr. Gabeba Baderoon.
The degradation of one race over another is a practice that has been passed on from one generation unto the next for many centuries. It was a key tactic used to dismantle and extinguish the identity of an individual, reducing them to nothingness. The tactic was utilised by the west in their attempt to enslave and suppress African individuals.
Black people in many parts of the world, have strived and contended unwaveringly to reclaim rights to equality, human dignity, and coexistence — even in their land. South Africa’s history is no different. During the Apartheid era the term Kafir was used to insult and demean black people by the ruling minority group. The end goal was to humiliate and dehumanise black people.
The term kafir, entangled into 450 years’ worth of history was originally derived from the Arabic word kāfir- simply meaning ‘infidel’. The word was coined as a pejorative term and was used by Muslims to label nonbelievers and those who abandoned the Muslim faith. It was during the colonial period that the K-word gained momentum and its meaning converted to refer to the degradation of the black race which was deemed as inferior.
A quarter of a century into South Africa’s democracy- government and civil society have labored to dismantle institutions and laws that formerly excluded blacks. Although the laws of the new dispensation have granted all South Africans opportunities and access to amenities, social and economic inclusion remains an uphill battle.
In recent years, there have been numerous incidents in which the K-word unearthed itself. In a specific event recorded, a black police officer was relentlessly insulted, sworn at and identified as a Kafir. Such events cannot continue to prevail in a democratic nation that is still healing. The use of the K-word psychologically arouses unpleasant inferior emotions. This is the grim reality that black South Africans will endure if nothing is done.
As a young nation still forging a new identity- the use of the K-word cannot have a place in society. The distasteful and demeaning use of the word by certain white groups renders an excruciating sting that deliberately dehumanises Black Africans.
As Right The Law, a social justice movement for the advancement of those previously disadvantaged we agree that “the continual use of the term further asserts the insinuation that African people are inherently foolish and unable to provide any leadership worthy of submitting to.” – Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.
Right The Law will not tolerate such indignation on future generations. It hinders the progression of social cohesion and the diversity of our cultural landscape. As an organisation, we call on all Africans from different walks of life to join hands with us in litigating for change to be made where it matters most, in our law. Together, let us be a voice of change for the South Africa our leaders fought for.
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We invite all interested parties, organisations, and individuals to join our movement. To support our causes in righting the law and turning the tide. Be part of history. Let us unite our voices.
Forward. As one. We turn the tide.