Poet admits race song went too far

Nelson Mandela is seen as a moral authority by many

By Alastair Leithead Durban

Nelson Mandela has met a controversial South African poet and song writer whose latest song has been branded "racism and hate speech"

"Everyone has to raise problems in a way that contributes to solving them, not inflaming emotions"

Nelson Mandela

Mbongeni Ngema's song Amadiya, or Indians, has caused a huge reaction across the country.

It talks about conflict between black South Africans and those of Indian descent, and calls for confrontation against the Indians who he described as "oppressors".

Former President Mandela praised the use of art to promote the liberation struggle but clearly criticised the song for not appropriately dealing with the problem of racism.

Mbongeni Ngema said he would not object if the song was withdrawn from sale.

Racist?

The words of Ngema's song are undoubtedly strong, calling for a man brave enough to confront the Indians who he says come every day and fill our airports.

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Many have seen the lyrics as racist, but the reaction from the Indian community and black South Africans proves Ngema has a point and there are serious ethnic tensions, especially in Durban where the majority of Indian South Africans live.

Many black callers to the radio stations or to newspapers have supported his call for confrontation.

Nelson Mandela is mentioned in the song - the words say even Mandela has given up trying to change what the writer sees as an imbalance of wealth.

But after meeting the former president, Ngema said the debate he had hoped to raise had gone the wrong way and he would not object if the song was banned from sale.

He said the words had gone too far in creating fear in minority groups, and that he felt the Indians had made a huge contribution to the country.

At a joint news conference Mr Mandela said stereotyping on the grounds of race or ethnicity was poison, and that although problems should be raised, emotions must not be inflamed.

He praised Ngema's past contributions throughout the apartheid years and added that while racism was being destroyed in South Africa, some pockets remained.