23 January 2007
The 1996 Constitution provides for families, groups and communities to
practise 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 and Culture upholds the constitutional rights of people
to practise their culture and, of course, this would include Tony Yengeni and
his family to practise 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
characterised 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 practise 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 make 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.
For further information, please contact:
Sandile Memela
Spokesperson for Ministry of Arts and Culture
Cell: 082 800 3750
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za/)
