They say you need to bring racism out in the open if you want to address it.
Well, in these turbulent times with statues falling, movies being banned, and the words “Black Lives Matter” emblazoned on footballers’ shirts as the protest spreads around the world, I would like to get a few things off my chest too.
This social revolution needs to happen, these conversations need to happen.
Fact remains, we still live in a world and in a country where it sucks to be black, or a person of colour.
The story of George Floyd, who was murdered in public view by American cops, was an extreme case of modern-day racism.
But there are other non-violent - offensive nonetheless - forms of everyday discrimination that we can all relate to.
Have you noticed, in South Africa, when a black person does well for themselves, he/she “must be a BEE appointment, a tenderpreneur or ANC cadre”.
Or if an Indian businessman makes a success of himself, he’s seker a Gupta (corrupt or a fraud).
If a coloured outjie rolls up in a kwaai car, “ wat smokkel hy dan?”
If a white guy makes it big, he’s a... brilliant entrepreneur.
Sound familiar?
SPREAD: Black Lives Matter protest in the US
It’s sad that, in this day and age, we still find ourselves living under a cloud of prejudice and suspicion.
As the editor of a popular newspaper, my credentials have on more than one occasion been the subject of undue scrutiny.
I have had my qualifications, age and experience questioned and doubted.
I don’t have anything to hide, but why?
I have even heard skinner that I am a gatkruiper, and that I benefited from some or other political connections.
Strangest story yet was that I was hired because of my religion.
So it is nice when someone actually judges me on merit - that the humble Daily Voice is consistently the most-read newspaper in Cape Town.
Not bad for an employment equity appointment (read bruin ou).
It’s happened to me, it happens everywhere, even in the English Premier League.
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke spoke about his struggle to get a job as a football coach in the UK: “You have seen, on the other hand, white players given that platform with very little experience, straight into management.
BLOCKED: Dwight Yorke wants more black management
“Yet we haven’t seen a black manager in the Premier League. I would go as far as to say look at the backroom staff. There’s probably not even a black person in backroom staff as well. There is a serious issue here.
“I’m going to fight this all the way.”
His old teammate, Quinton Fortune, agrees there is a glass ceiling for black bosses.
The Cape Flats-born star, who is currently United’s Under-23 coach, told UTD Podcast: “When you look at the game, you see a lot of black players, but why are there not many black managers? I don’t know what the reason is.
“I think if I go too deep into that it will block my way of thinking. I like to think I am going to work as hard as I can, get all my qualifications, prepare myself and not let that barrier stop me.
“But I’m also all for [that] you have got to put in the work. You have got to be a great manager. I want to be given the chance because of my talent.”
AMBITION: Quinton Fortune under-23 coach at Man United
Back home, FC Kapstadt President Zaid Omar, echoes their sentiments.
“How many African football coaches are coaching in the top leagues in Europe? Very few if none at all,” he wrote on Facebook.
“How many European coaches are coaching in the top leagues in Africa? Too many.
“Same applies to most of the top industries in the world. Colonialism and racism must end.”
Look, you can’t ignore this thing. It’s a real issue that cannot be dismissed with a cheap “All Lives Matter” comeback.
Modern society is sadly still nursing a hangover from centuries of slavery, colonialism, apartheid and systemic racism.
The BLM movement has met with some resistance, especially from those who believe it is an anti-white campaign; intended to invoke white guilt.
It isn’t. It is a call for change, for justice and equality.
But it isn’t just a societal issue, it's a personal one.
UPLIFT: Zaid Omar wants to see more African coaches
No child is born with the desire to be treated the same as another specific racial group.
On the most basic human level, people need love, respect, trust, to feel accepted by their community, and valued by their fellow human beings.