Old South African flag — ban it or tolerate it?

Our Deputy Minister of Sport, Gert Oosthuizen:

… it is absolutely tragic that there are still people who would do such a thing.
It’s absolutely unacceptable, and something which the government wants to get rid of once and for all.
It is such a pity when something like this happens …

So we get rid of it and drive it and its waving supporters underground where we have no idea of the nefarious acts of it waving that may be taking place. And once we have legislated to get rid of it, do we now employ a Security Branch to ensure that no-one has it stashed away in their back-garden? Or is surreptitiously waving it at the TV when the Bulls next win something?

Stop writing the headlines. Ignore it and it will go away. Even the most delusional know when it is time to call it a day. Fifteen years ago there would have been thousands. Ten years ago hundreds. Five years ago only a few. And today … only one … right at the end of the game. When the next South African team wins the Super Whatever … probably zero. Change takes time.

Alternatively, engage it’s supporters in civilised conversation and put across the pain that it causes.

Khaya Dlanga writes in Old South African flag must be banned:

That flag will incite violence in the right place and at the right time. It also advocates hatred based on race and ethnicity.

A picture of the Pope will incite violence if shown at the right place at the right time. Closer to home, I am sure we could incite violence in parts of Kwazulu-Natal by showing Jacob Zuma’s or Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s face to the wrong people at the wrong time — or is that the right people at the right time.

Time to ban the Pope’s face? Or Jacob Zuma’s? Or Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s? I don’t think so.

Tags: gert oosthuizen, jacob zuma, Khaya Dlanga, mangosuthu buthelezi, old flag, pope

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 at 9:57 pm and is filed under Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.