ETHNIC MOBILIZATION @KASIBCNEWS

Dangerous divisions: Foundation rejects Vhavenda ‘Superiority’ claims …Dangerous echoes: Why ethnic superiority claims resemble Orania’s ideology 

The Tshenuwani Farisani Foundation has strongly condemned remarks made by former Statistician General Pali Lehohla, who recently stated in a podcast that the Vhavenda people are a “superior nation” in South Africa. The foundation has distanced itself from these comments, warning that such classifications are divisive and dangerous to a nation still grappling with the wounds of apartheid and white supremacy. 

In a statement, the foundation described Lehohla’s remarks as “inflammatory” and likened them to the rhetoric of right-wing groups advocating for racial segregation. “This type of innuendo is not different from the call by right-wingers to create a white-only province of Orania,” said Dr. Tshenuwani Farisani, the foundation’s patron. The foundation emphasised that the Vhavenda people, like all South African ethnic groups, are part of a diverse and equal society and have never made claims of superiority.  “We are convinced that he never spoke to any Muvenda person who claimed such superiority. So we will accept that all these claims are his, and his only, which do not represent any sane Muvenda person,” the statement read. Experts and civil society leaders have echoed these concerns, warning that ethnic superiority narratives have historically led to devastating consequences. Political analyst Professor Tinyiko Maluleke pointed to Africa’s turbulent history as a cautionary example. “We have seen how divisive ethnic classifications have fueled conflicts. 

The Hutu-Tutsi genocide in Rwanda and the recent instability in the Great Lakes region serve as painful reminders of what can happen when ethnic groups are pitted against each other,” Maluleke noted. 

The foundation also referenced South Africa’s own history of violence sparked by ethnic divisions. “The wars between Russian-speaking Ukrainians and main Russia are a perfect example of reckless categorisation. In the recent past, about 45 schools were burnt in Vuwani because of reckless undertones such as these - something that we can’t even explain to our children today.” Prominent historian and social commentator Dr. Somadoda Fikeni warned that South Africa must guard against the resurgence of divisive narratives.  “Statements that elevate one ethnic group above another create an 'us versus them' mentality, which is deeply harmful. Our Constitution and democracy were built on the values of unity, nonracialism, and equality. We cannot afford to go backwards,” Fikeni stated. 

The Tshenuwani Farisani Foundation has called on political leaders, civil society organizations, and the public to reject and condemn such statements. “The ANC and other political formations, organs of civil society, and the people of South Africa must stand against this type of divisive rhetoric,” the foundation urged. 

As South Africa continues to work towards unity and social cohesion, voices from all sectors are reinforcing the need to reject any form of ethnic superiority. The foundation’s message is clear: reckless statements that fuel division must be challenged to preserve the hard-earned peace and unity of the nation.