Kaizer Chiefs Chairman Motaung addresses Global challenges
As we commemorate the 44th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto uprising, the world is engulfed in the unfortunate acts of racism sparked by the death of George Floyd in the hands of the American police.
In keeping with Kaizer Chiefs’ mantra, the Chairman Kaizer Motaung has appealed for the spirit of Love & Peace to permeate through the current turmoil. “I call upon all of us to challenge the status quo by retaliating with a peaceful demonstration against racism,” says Motaung. “We need to go back to the basics of loving and living together as one. It is not easy I can understand but fighting fire with fire will not change the situation. We must engage peacefully to resolve the situation and rid our society of this evil called racism.”
Motaung laments what happened in the US with George Floyd’s brutal killing. “The continued events of racism globally are regrettable and must be stopped once and for all,” reacting to the killing by the police of George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA on 25 May. “The acts of oppression cannot continue unchecked and hopefully Floyd’s killing will serve the world as a major turning point to end racism.”
Four policemen that participated in the killing of George are facing murder charges. The killing has sparked widespread protest under the trending banner of ‘Black Lives Matter’.
“One would have thought the world has moved on,” says Motaung, “This act brings back the memories of the years of slavery, colonisation, and apartheid here at home. It is a crucial time in the world, and we stand alongside the rest of the world to condemn this act as a backward tendency”
Protests have taken place in and around the USA, in London and other parts of the world. Leaders and many celebrities have raised their voices against this barbaric act.
“We have come a long way but seemingly we have not scratched the surface of eradicating racial hatred,” laments Motaung. “This is the time for the world to go back to the drawing board. The people must unite and revolt against this ill. Abuse and racism must be nipped in the bud for they are the worst atrocities to be committed against humanity.”
“I wish to extend my deepest heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of George Floyd,” concludes Motaung, “I hope that his death will trigger real change around the world both socially and otherwise. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
George Floyd was buried on the 9th of June 2020.
#BlackLivesMatter
