Conference on racialism in SA

CHANGE POLICIES: Among those attending a conference on non-racialism at NMMU’s north campus conference centre are, from left, Professor Crain Soudien of the University of Cape Town, NMMU vice-chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz, and Professor Denise Zinn, also of NMMU. Picture: BRIAN WITBOOI

DEBATES and controversies about non-racialism in South Africa – in the past, present and future – were the focal points at the start of a threeday conference at NMMU, which started last night.

The conference, which runs until tomorrow, is hosted by NMMU’s Centre for the Advancement of NonRacialism and Democracy.

NMMU vice-chancellor Professor Derrick Swartz said the issue of race and racialism had been reproducing itself over time. “It has manifested and come out in various forms.”

Swartz said the purpose of the conference was to develop a body of knowledge to open up spaces to change policies and structures when it came to racialism in South Africa and abroad.

Today, Professor Emerita Allison Drew, from the University of York in the United Kingdom, will address the issues of non-racialism in South Africa from an international perspective.

Professor Shirley-Ann Tate, from the University of Leeds, will address delegates tomorrow on the impact of racism in a democratic society.

-Devon Koen

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