But racism is still alive in Grabouw. Black people who came to Grabouw were not even aware of the land conflict. They came because they wanted to secure an income in a promising environment. Black women participating in a capacity building workshop listened in amazement to the story of a coloured PAC supporter's struggle for land. Our leaders must be educated, says a school principal.
Reconciliation means to forgive and forget , says a policeman.
Nobody mentioned the National Party, whose policies effected the Group Areas Act and the subsequent forced removals. Only one person mentioned reconciliation between the police and the community. When people mentioned whites, they referred to business, and farmers who need to reconcile with the labour unions and the workers. Holding leaders of the majority parties responsible for the current conflict and for facilitating the reconciliation process is a healthy sign of democracy. The dilemma, however, is to find the balance between holding leadership accountable while at the same time involving the other elements of civil society, such as the economically powerful.