As African countries celebrate Africa Day today, the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) opine that the time is overdue to “slam the doors against racism” against African descendants, black, and brown people.
Of recent, there has been cases of brutality against people of African descent at America, otherwise known as African Americans. The incident which caught the attention worldwide is when the police murdered one George Floyd. The incident gave birth to protests and a slogan #BlackLivesMatter.
It is against this backdrop, that the BFTU calls for a rigorous reforms against racism against black people.
“Racism and racist attacks against Africans, blacks and peoples of African descent wherever they are, has been identified as the focal theme for this year’s commemoration. Indeed, we hold it as true that #BlackLivesMatter still. In fact, racism impacts gender, generation, demographics, creed, communities and nations. For being a black woman, many of our womenfolk have been stereotyped into seeing and thinking lowly of themselves hence limited growth and advancement. Young persons, especially persons of African descent aside from being exposed to real threats of arrested development, are construed as lawless and restive persons and therefore easy target for extra-judicial killings.” Thusang Butale, BFTU Secretary General wrote.
Further, the movement calls for condemnation of racism within the sporting fraternity, especially Football
“We also want to re-emphasise that racism and racist attacks anywhere and against any people will not be ignored, including during sporting events. As such, we call on the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) to give vibes and vigour to its, ‘No Racism”, message and slogan as the 2022 Qatar World Cup counts down.” Butale lamented.
Black people of African descent in European football have in most incidents cried about racism from fans and coaches. Some France football players of African descent once lamented of being labelled as French only when the national team brings positive results, but called Africans when the French National team performs poorly.
“These acts of racism and hate must stop! We call on governments around the world to take genuine steps to bring to order those who advance the dispossession, deprivation, discrimination and other injustices that Africans, blacks, brown people and persons of African descents have suffered and continue to endure.” Butale Charged.
“Slam the doors against racism and open up spaces for the advancement of rights in the times of COVID-19!”
Thusang Butale, BFTU Secretary General
