Leaving it to the Children: Non-Racialism, Identity, Socialisation and Generational Change in South Africa

Abstract

Although a critical value of the anti-apartheid movement and within the democratic Constitution, there is a lack of national consensus on the meaning of non-racialism in South Africa and how best it can be achieved, particularly given the continued use of historically defined race categories for redress. In response, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and Gauteng City-Region Observatory conducted a series of qualitative focus groups exploring the understanding of non-racialism among South Africans, and found widespread ambiguity about its meaning among research participants. Results suggest that while many continue to associate strongly with identity groups based on apartheid race categories, integration and engagement has increased within public life. Less change has occurred within private spaces, where stereotypes and racism remain firmly intact. Participants view non-racialism as more likely to be achieved by future generations than present ones. However, the research findings cast doubt on whether children will be able to reject stereotypes within families and at home.

Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges two anonymous reviewers who provided valuable comments and feedback, as well as the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the CGRO for the opportunity to conduct this important analysis. Further thanks is due to Professor David Everatt of the GCRO, Professor Rupert Taylor of the University of the Witswatersrand, Professor Gerhard Maré of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Professor André Keet of the University of the Free State for their important contributions to this field of research, and for their valuable advice and support during the writing of this article.

Notes

Taken from internal research design and methodology note produced by the GCRO.

Ubuntu is a ‘traditional’ South African value that is commonly translated as ‘I am because you are’ and refers to collective and shared humanity.

In the SARB survey sample, ‘metro areas' are defined as generally having 250,000 residents or more, although there are several anomalies.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kate Lefko-Everett

Senior Project Leader of the Reconciliation Barometer, Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in Cape Town, South Africa.