Ethnic battles just divide us into small groups

WHEN Fawzia Peer was sworn into office as deputy mayor at the Durban City Hall, it brought to an end an ethnic battle in which a group of powerful businessmen demanded that this esteemed office should be held by a person of South Indian origin.

In 2006, when Peer was tipped to become the new deputy mayor, a delegation of high-profile people demanded she did not get the job.

They argued that the largest single grouping among Indians in Durban were the South Indians, Tamil and Telegu speaking Hindus.

Peer, they said, was a Muslim and belonged to a minority group.

The powers that be, decided not to give her the position and Peer did not so much as even whimper at her loss. She remained silent and dignified.

Five years later, Peer was tipped to take over as speaker. Then, on the eve of the announcement, the South Indian power group arose and repeated its demands.

Only this time, a hefty donation to the ANC coffers ensured the demand was met.

Come 2016, Peer was nominated for the deputy mayor’s post. Needless to say, the South African pressure group turned on the heat.

Only days before the swearing in ceremony, there were still demands that she be replaced.

Not that her record of service was in doubt. She had acquitted herself well in all that was asked of her and more.

In this, the third time, Peer’s luck changed and the powers in Pietermaritzburg backed her every step of the way.

But what has this kind of “political donkey trading” done to us? It has built an even bigger divide, not only among the greater Indian community but among South Indians as well.

The largest number of Indian Muslims in South Africa are South Indians.

Shunned by their Hindu cousins and looked down on by “upper class Muslims”, this talented group of people, some among the most skilled in the country, are very much on their own.

They are referred to as “Urdu speaking” and, despite the double whammy of prejudice, they have risen to great heights.

M L Sultan, for example, during his lifetime, gave away R320 million to educational, social and religious causes.

In fact, it was Sultan who came up with the idea of a medical school in Durban. He gave the first £20 000 towards it.

He also made a massive donation to Sastri College.

The point here is: Is it really necessary to split us into small, exclusive ethnic groups?

Do political or civic offices have to be filled by people of only a certain religion, language or class?

It is a shame that people in this day and age can stoop so low.

As for Peer, she does not say anything of the 10 years of oppression. She is silent.

But I know what’s on her mind sabaar. It simply means patience. Farook Khan is a former Independent Newspapers journalist. –