I Am South African was a two-hour television special produced for SABC2 for Human Rights Day 2008, which addressed the problems of racism still inherent in the country.
The special aired on SABC2 on Human Rights Day (Friday 21 March, 2008) at 14h00.
It was hosted by Freek Robinson.
Synopsis
Never mind our power crisis – South Africa appears to have been plunged into darkness much more sinister and, sadly, even more familiar.
The recent outcry at the Forum of Black Journalists (which white journalists were barred from participating in) and the fallout from the University of the Free State videos (in which white students humiliated black staff) have shocked us into realising that the colours of our Rainbow Nation are not as blended as we may have thought.
SABC2 will facilitate a national conversation on racism in the hope of contributing towards a healing process in which each one of us might be able to say with dignity and pride: "I am South African".
March 21st 2008 sees a unique celebration not only of Human Rights Day but of four major religious festivals: Good Friday, Mawlid, Purim and Holika Dahan.
For Christians, Good Friday is the commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; Mawlid is when Muslims remember the birth of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as well as the teachings of the Qu’raan; Purim is one of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar and commemorates a time when the Jewish people were saved from extermination in Persia; while for Hindus, Holika Dahan is a time to reflect on the bounty of Mother Nature.
Uniquely placed in South Africa this year, March 21st offers an opportunity to instil a shared sense of identity across the country.
SABC2 is inviting key leaders and commentators into the studio who can help unpack racial intolerance in a constructive and compassionate manner, opening up the lines for public interaction.
Also invited are some of the country’s top artists and entertainers who, through their music, poetry and humour, can bring a fresh perspective to our understanding of racism and its debilitating effects on the nation.
The two hour live broadcast starts at 14:00 and host Freek Robinson will be joined by a diverse range of guests including: Professor Kader Asmal; Head of the Foundation of Human Rights, Ms Yasmin Sooka; and the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, Dr Warren Goldstein.
However, the intention is to get ‘ordinary’ South Africans talking about the issues and there will be plenty of time for interaction from a lively studio audience as well as viewers at home.