South Africa

Press, 28 December 1988, Page 12

South Africa

Sir,—Searching Hellman and Lever, “Race Relations in South Africa 1929-79,” “Keesing’s Contemporary Archives,” 1979-88, the journal, “African Affairs,” 1979-88, I found lan Dimbleby’s claims (December 8) unsubstantiated. Buthelezi attacks Pretoria verbally, opposes insurrection against it, takes its bribes. His impis attack (even at funerals), kill, burn homes and cars of Zulus of the United Democratic Front, strikers and Durban townships’ opponents of incorporation into KwaZulu, four times worse than A.N.C. and youth combined. He claims that schoolchildren, and resigned and unfinancial members, belong to Inkatha. He claims delegates seeking incorporation represent township opinion; unbiased polls show 75 to 95 per cent oppose incorporation. Mr Dimbleby may belong to Inkatha New Zealand. He is able to revise his opinions (not all are). Let him read Sutcliff and Wellings, “Inkatha versus the rest,” “African Affairs,” July 1988. The Public Library will procure a copy. — Yours, etc., SUSAN TAYLOR. December 21, 1988.

Sir,— Answering K. Martin (December 12), Mr Botha would understand my statement that blacks want a “modified Westminster system that protects minorities” (i.e., something akin to what the Government calls power-sharing). The KwaZuluNatal “Indaba” attempted to combine one-man, one-vote with minority protection through an evenly weighted Upper House with power of veto. The Government said they were “on the right track.” A compromise is the only way to avoid another African tragedy. An October, 1987, Human Sciences Research Council survey of 1500 urban blacks found that 74 per cent said the future under a “multiracial parliamentary system including blacks but in which no group could dominate” would be good. Questioned about a “black majority Government,” 36 per cent said it would be good; 36 per cent bad. The trick is to eliminate apartheid by leaving more than rubble in its place. An A.N.C. government spells rubble, whether by revolution or ballot box. — Yours, etc., lAN DIMBLEBY. December 22, 1988.