THE drive to rid Mzansi of racism has gone digital.
The Zimele Racism Reporting app will allow victims of racism to speak out and report racial harassment as it happens.
This was revealed at the kick off of the Anti-Racism week campaign, under the theme #RootOutRacism. It was held at Paul Mosaka Primary School in Pimville, Soweto yesterday.
The campaign is spearheaded by the Ahmed Kathrada and Nelson Mandela foundations.
Tourism Minister and Ahmed Kathrada Foundation board chairman Derek Hanekom was among those at the launch. He said the app would assist with the actions to be taken when subjected to racism.
The foundations said the app would include an easy form to complete and an option to download evidence.
The app is pioneered by Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and will be officially launched on Thursday.
“Racism is something you are taught. It doesn’t come naturally.
“We want to send a strong message that we are born equal and no one should be discriminated against. The colour of your skin shouldn’t define you,” said Hanekom.
The campaign runs from tomorrow until 21 March in honour of human rights month but the schools programme began yesterday.
Hanekom’s visit also comes before the one-year anniversary of Ahmed Kathrada’s death.
Pupils received commemorative booklets on Kathrada’s life and activism.
Grade 7 pupil Kamohelo Ranchebe (13) shared her views on racism and described racial acts as a shame.
Kamogelo said: “Racism is discrimination against another person and it’s wrong.
“It makes me feel ashamed when I hear of incidents of racism.”
