Michael Jackson once sang “ it don’t matter if you black or white”.
Now, in the wake of several racist incidents this year, the Department of Arts and Culture has made an eight-track CD to help mense deal with prejudice.
Some of the incidents include KwaZulu-Natal estate agent Penny Sparrow calling black people on the beach monkeys on Facebook; and Capetonian Matthew Theunnissen who lashed out at Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula for imposing a ban on SA Rugby‚ Cricket South Africa and Athletics SA hosting international tournaments due to their lack of transformation.
“So no more sporting events for South Africa … I’ve never been more proud than to say our government are a bunch of K*****S … yes‚ I said it so go and f*** yourselves you black f***ing c***s‚” read the post on his Facebook page.
More recently, the owner of the Sodwana Bay Guest House, Andre Slade, said black people were not welcome at his establishment.
Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthetwa says an anti-racism song is needed now more than ever, and reminded people that the world is watching South Africa.
“We are at a time in our history where more than ever before, we need to forge our togetherness and especially our unity in diversity,” he says.
“Yet racism also continues to rear its ugly head as incidents persist and surface in the media.”
The main song on the album is called No Love No Life and is a collaboration of artists, led by poet Mzwakhe Mbuli.
“ No baby is born a racist and no one is born a racist. Racists are produced by poisonous minds,” Mbuli recites.
Reggae artist Thuthukani Cele also sings: “ Father created everyone equally. Come on, lets live in peace and harmony.”
The album will be available at stores nationwide and also includes a Swahili song and tracks by artists from across Africa.
The album was launched yesterday in Johannesburg, where local artists held a panel discussion on racism and its effects.
Minister of Arts & Culture Nathi Mthethwa launched an Anti-Racism song on Wednesday called No Love - No Life.