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The Anti-Racism Network of SA (Arnsa) on November 1 and 2 comes at an important time – when we’re seeing distinct shifts globally towards right wing, fascist thinking. We are living in an increasingly polarised world, with policies and practices that are often framed by sentiment that is anti-immigration, anti-Black, anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic. This encroaching narrow conservatism is intersectional, negatively affecting the most vulnerable in society.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly four years ago, anti-apartheid struggle veteran Ahmed Kathrada said that “we can safely assume that we might be at a crossroads with regard to the resurgence of global racism”.
Since then, we’ve seen Donald Trump’s ascendance and the emergence of right-wing political parties across Europe. In the developing world, we’ve seen the troubling emergence of Hindu nationalism, while in Brazil we’re witnessing the growing popularity of the right-wing.
In South Africa, not only have we had repeated xenophobic attacks, but we now have the African Basic Movement, whose core mandate is to get rid of foreigners. We have written to the Independent Electoral Commission, calling for the party’s deregistration.
We also have examples of how narrow interest groups have gained recognition and support. People are increasingly being mobilised around ethnic, tribal or racial identity in a bid to secure resources or government services. Others have established links abroad, as with AfriForum’s recent lobbying expedition to Washington.
READ: 'Racism stops here' march highlights the importance of unity in diversity
Beyond the broader global context, there is the day-to-day lived experience of entrenched structural racism and personal racism. We have had our fair share of everything from school policy discrimination to the racist vitriol of various individuals.
These local and international examples point to several trends: a growing expression of overt racism without shame or fear for the consequences; leadership positions being won on populist, nationalist rhetoric; the use of electoral or other platforms to legitimise racist policies or narratives; and the emergence of organised right wing movements that are increasingly interconnected.
When Kathrada delivered his UN speech, he called for the “Greenpeace of anti-racism” – for progressive organisations globally to present the alternative, the counter-narrative to the emerging global right. To do this, local formations dedicated to fighting racism will be required to organise themselves into a national coalition. This is essentially the base that Arnsa aims to build.
National coalitions will have to develop links with similar organisations globally. Arnsa has set up links with the European Network Against Racism and other organisations, but these relationships need to be strengthened and extended to a broader international network. In a grassroots way, irrespective of its size, an organisation can play an important role in building a united front against the growing threat of globally coordinated racism.
Balton is the executive director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. Contact the Arnsa coordinator by calling 011 854 0082 or emailing busisiwe@kathradafoundation.org
