G du Plessis

 

South Africa

MyNews User

Don't ban any songs

I think it is sad that a new democracy like ours feels that certain songs need to be banned - what happened to the free speech that so many of us yearned for under the National Party?

I am glad to see that the main opposition party (the DA) are also against Judge Lamont's decision, as it would have been easy for them to jump on the FF+/Afriforum bandwagon.

Having said all of that, it is clear that the song in question does cause hurt, so it would be a nice gesture if the ANC were to encourage their members and youth league not to sing it in the name of relations between racial groups.

I am sure the Afrikaans ANC members don't want it banned, but at the same time would like to see the song discouraged.

A later verse of "God save our Gracious Queen" (British National Anthem), talks of crushing the rebellious Scots etc.  This verse is not banned, merely not sung!

I feel that the ANC should make this gesture, and generally reach out to ethnic minorities more.

I am broadly speaking a left of centre person politically, and believe that we need a sort of capitalism with a conscience (re-distributive tax system like Germany, alongside many apprenticeship and other educational opportunities).

Trevor Manuel advocates this sort of stance I think.

For me the DA are too market liberal although I notice they do support BEE and AA, the FF+ are to right-wing and although I lean towards the ANC, they could do more to make Afrikaaners feel more wanted and welcome within the country!  Who to vote for eh?

I know I will be lambasted for supporting the ANC, but have you seen how nice much of Soweto now looks compared with the early '90s?

Much work still to be done, including how to re-build bridges between communities.  I hope this song is unbanned, as it sets a dangerous precedent (what will be banned next), but I would encourage people NOT to sing it.

Free speech comes with responsibility - think before you act, speak or sing!

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