President of the National Coloured Congress, Fadiel Adams, has urged South Africans to take a broader view of historical injustice, arguing that the country’s challenges cannot be understood through apartheid alone.
Speaking in the Western Cape, Adams said the legacy of colonialism, which spanned centuries, continues to shape present-day inequality. He stressed that issues such as land dispossession, cultural erasure, and economic exclusion began long before apartheid and remain insufficiently acknowledged.
“Apartheid lasted less than 50 years. Colonialism lasted 300 years. Our history has been whitewashed, but nobody speaks of it,” Adams said, highlighting the long-term impact on communities and identity.
He added that a deeper understanding of this history is essential in addressing ongoing social and economic challenges, particularly in marginalised communities.
Adams also used the platform to rally support ahead of the upcoming local government elections, calling for what he described as a “Coloured Spring.” He encouraged community members to organise and prioritise service delivery rather than political positions.
“Our job is to integrate; never let it be about the position. Always about the people,” he said.
VOC News
Photo: VOCfm
