23 January 2007

The 1996 Constitution provides for families, groups and communities to practice their cultural, religious and linguistic rights, among others.

In fact, the specific law came into operation in November 2002, to be known as Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities Act.

Thus it is the constitutional right of all indigenous families, groups and families to perform rituals that they believe reconnect them to their ancestors. This is to promote peace of mind and harmonious existence in their lives.

The Ministry of Arts & Culture upholds the constitutional rights of people to practice their culture and, of course, this would include Tony Yengeni and his family to practice their cultural rituals.

We wish to encourage the people of this ‘nation-in-the-making’ to accept that we live in a multi-cultural and diverse society which continues to be characterized by differences in how we do things.

Ironically, this offers us an opportunity to learn more about the things that we have in common and thus contribute to enhancing understanding among all the people but to contribute to nurturing a spirit of national unity.

It is for this reason that we want to caution some elements in our society who want to rush to condemn those who practice their rituals, especially Africans.

What Christian religion and history teaches us, for example, is that the ritual of slaughtering can be traced back to the old days of Abraham.

Also, in the modern 21st Century society, we observe that the Muslim and Jewish communities, for instance, have their own rituals to kill animals to their meat halaal and kosher.

Strangely, this is not considered abnormal and thus their right to do so is rarely questioned.

But, in the case of the Yengeni family, we observe selective racism that condemns this specific African ritual.

What compounds the situation is that the levelled criticism is based on ignorance, contempt and lack of respect for African culture.

This is hypocritical because it means what is good and acceptable for some is not good for the Africans. Unfortunately, there is no universal standard to look at this matter.

Of course, this is a complex and sensitive matter that needs tolerance, acceptance and understanding.

Culture is the cornerstone of how people conduct themselves.

Significantly, its practice offers the diverse people of our beautiful country to learn more about each other and thus help build a solid, united and non-racial society.

This is not a matter for the SPCA because it certainly is much deeper than cruelty to animals.

Instead, it is about man’s search for meaning, purpose and the redefinition of His relationship with himself, ancestry, his God – whoever She may be – and the world.

The issue of cultural rituals should be approached with caution and respect.

Sandile Memela
Spokesperson for Ministry of Arts & Culture
082 800 3750

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