Black & White

-22-

C H A P T E R  T W E N T Y  - T W O

Crimes against Humanity: A white woman (43) and her daughter (19) were discovered dead in SOWETO. Police will look into the situation.

The Daily Report South Africa 1976 

The horrific news of the murders of a white mother and daughter in Soweto stirred up our community. White killings were the only ones that our South African government and media editors considered to be crimes against humanity. What about the several black victims who attempted to flee during the Sharpeville Massacre but were shot in the rear by white police officers? One of the casualties was my father. What about the social acceptance that black women being raped was part of life? What about depriving black people of fundamental necessities and rights? Are those not crimes against humanity. Of course, they are not. We are not human, remember?

"Are you alright?" Mbuyisa asked. I responded, "I'm okay," without turning to face him. "Why wouldn't I be?" I could sense Mbuyisa looking at me. "You just awfully quiet today. I figured you would be thrilled to present your practice speech to the class." As we walked, I didn't take my eyes off the earth. "I think I'm nervous." That was untrue.

Our streets were crowded with policemen. Surely justice has to be served, right? We were watched by a few policemen while we were walked to school.

"Have you heard about what happened?" Mbuyisa inquired despite being aware of the answer to the query. Nobody reads newspapers as much as I do. It's vital to be aware of what is going on in your surroundings, my mother used to often tell us. I like to read. Mama, however, is unable to afford to purchase me books. Mbuyisa made valiant attempts to persuade me to talk.

"Before I left the house, I read about it in the newspaper. Tragic." I answered.
"They were tourists, according to what I read elsewh-
As I recognized the father and son that attacked our home last night, Mbuyisa's voice began to gradually fade. When my eyes landed on Norman's, he was already focusing on me. His eyes matched those of mine. They were emotionless. The memories of what had happened last night suddenly halted me in my tracks. I was being submerged. A surge of unpleasant memories swept over me. I was unable to breathe. "Ayize? Can you hear me? Ayize?" Mbuyisa's voice sounded so distant. Despite the fact that my gaze was still fixed on Norman, I said to Mbuyisa, "Serves them right for visiting the same place they refer to as a jail." Before Mbuyisa could ask me more questions, I spoke again, "If we don't want to be late for school, we should leave right away."

"Good morning, students. I'm hoping my first-round speakers are prepared to present their practice speeches to the class." Mrs Dlamini's face lit up with delight. Cheers erupted in response to her declaration.
"All right, Ayize, Lesedi and Antoinette make up our first team. Ayize is essentially the first speaker for our entire school since she is the first speaker for the first team. She will start the discussion for us. Are you ready, Ayize?"
I gave Mrs Dlamini a nod. "All right, miss, you have the floor."My prepared speech was clutched in my sweaty palms as I nervously stood up from my seat. As I stood in front of the class, I took a few deep breaths before I began....

"These people are the foundation of the country's economy and make a major contribution to the superior race's riches and success. The individuals who bring you income, however, frequently work in hazardous and unhygienic conditions that compromise their physical and mental health. Improving the working conditions for miners is an issue of fundamental human rights, is what I would have argued if black people in South Africa had rights. I would have argued that every miner has the right to work in a secure atmosphere where they can do their job without fear for their life. You people don't care about the insufficient safety precautions in mines, how miners' lives are always in risk, or how this leaves their families with uncertain futures. I will tell you something you care about, though. Wealth. Increased productivity would result from better working conditions. Miners working in dangerous conditions are more prone to experience accidents, exhaustion, and stress, which can then reduce their productivity. Productivity can be increased by offering improved ventilation systems, healthcare facilities, and safety standards, which in return, will boost your economy. Because of the global resistance to the apartheid regime, the United Nations General Assembly prohibited South Africa from taking part in its activities on the 6th of November 1962. This indicates that South Africa is not popular with the rest of the world. The worldwide community is becoming more and more concerned with moral behaviour and corporate social responsibility. Maybe you can start by improving the working conditions for South African miners if you want to preserve the reputation of your country, draw foreign investment, and win back the support of the General Assembly. This speech has nothing to do with the well-being of miners. But it has everything to do with paving the way for your brighter future."