Boulders mall debacle must inspire change, says Ndebele activist

Mahlangu said he has met Redefine Properties management in Midrand, and “the meeting went well”.

PRETORIA, March 31 (ANA) – Prominent Ndebele activist Thando Mahlangu on Wednesday said his recent humiliation at Boulders mall in Midrand should generate change and bring about equality among South Africa’s 11 official languages.

The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) on Thursday kicked off hearings in relation to the incident last week in which Mahlangu was confronted by Boulders shopping centre manager Jose Maponyane and asked to leave after being told his traditional attire was “indecent”.

Maponyane has since been suspended by Redefine Properties after a video of the confrontation went viral.

Mahlangu told the African News Agency (ANA) that he hopes that his horrendous experience will benefit cultural activists, as well as artists.

“I wish good things could come out of this, for cultural activists, artists and everyone who works with anything that has got to do with language and culture. I wish this could uplift cultural activists and language practitioners,” said Mahlangu.

“All our 11 official languages in South Africa need the attention they deserve, so that we can protect our languages and cultures for the next generation.”

Mahlangu said he was positive that the interventions by institutions including the South African Human Rights Commission and the CRL Rights Commission would bring the change.

“I am positive. I hear that Mr My Mall (Maponyane) will be in attendance at the CRL. It is important for him to be part of the process that is ongoing because I see that we are facing quite a challenge in Africa. I was also glad to hear that they (Redefine Properties) will be doing cultural and human rights courses for their front-line staff,” said Mahlangu.

He said that on Tuesday he was invited to a meeting with the Redefine Properties management in Midrand and “the meeting went well”. A follow-up meeting is set for April 8.

Another prominent Ndebele activist and entrepreneur, Phindile Msiza, said she was heartbroken at the manner in which Mahlangu was treated at the Boulders shopping centre.

“I immediately wanted to reach out to him to offer words of comfort and to reassure him that as a Ndebele activist, you do not get discouraged by such occurrences. I felt that we have to do more to educate fellow South Africans about our Ndebele culture and attire, accessories and our diversity,” said Msiza.

“That incident was very unfortunate. You will realise that many only embrace being African in September when we celebrate Heritage Day – and that’s it. There is more to being a proud African than Heritage Day.”

Last year, on Heritage Day, Msiza teamed up with fellow Ndebele activist Rinah Mtshwene and showcased Ndebele accessories, handmade craft and regalia at the Mams Mall Heritage Day Market in Mamelodi.

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher