The unnamed MP reportedly drew attention to fears in the white population that sometimes distort reality. This, she said, is because stereotypes of black people prevail.
Another unnamed MP, who spoke about a specific stereotype, that of black people being inherently corrupt.
A recent article by an academic has previously raised this issue.
Professor Willie Esterhuyse of Stellenbosch University discussed negative and positive perceptions of Africa in a recent article.
Mbeki highlighted a comment from an academic in Esterhuyse's article that we should accept “the age-old white stereotype that we as Africans are sexually depraved”.
This, according to the unnamed academic, is white perception.
Stereotypes raised in Parliament are of the same kind, in that they project a threat of perpetual catastrophe simply because we are an African country, led by an African government.
Mbeki also lambasted the view that life was better under colonial rule.
“The colonial cruelty of the 20th century described and treated Africans as barbarians blessed with the gift of colonial and white minority rule,” said Mbeki.
Mbeki believes that stating that normalisation has begun is correct, but overly cautious.
“The Afrikaners who are not racist and do not voice destructive perceptions of black people are the catalyst that will bring normalisation of relations in our country much sooner than Professor Esterhuyse allows for.”
He says that as long as these voices are not heard, negative messages will prevail.
Business confidence up
International consultancy Grant Thornton this month published its International Business Owners Survey 2004, covering 26 countries, including South Africa.
South African business people were more than twice as confident about their economic prospects compared to the previous year.
Some 56% of South African companies had increased their number of employees, while 30% had maintained the same number, and 13% had cut down on jobs.
During the previous three years 75% had increased their revenue/turnover.
Mbeki highlighted that in the coming year, 79% expected to increase their turnover/output.
Some 51% expected to increase the number of their employees, and only six per cent expected to decrease their workforce.
Some 54% would invest in plant and machinery while 36% would invest in new buildings.
Companies were more focused on retaining staff skilled in key areas.
The two biggest constraints identified were red tape and a lack of skilled people.
“Most interestingly, contrary to everything said about the impact of crime, the threat of terrorism and insecurity in general were insignificant as causes of stress among the business people.”
A story of contrasts
Mbeki said that the information contrasted with that of those who spread negative stereotypes.
“This is a story of a growing and resilient economy.
“It is a story of increasing job opportunities.
“It is a story of hope for a better life for those who will qualify from our skills development programmes.”
Those in business, says Mbeki, are confident of the country's future but appeal to government to make it easier to create jobs and contribute to the economy.
“There will be no perpetual catastrophe.
“The stereotypes will neither define who we are nor dictate what will be,” concluded Mbeki.
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
