As people we gathered to explore our humanity!

There was a moment in all of the activities I knew that God was present. It was a moment of realization and awe as young people and youth leaders of diverse race/ethnicity, gender, class, religion and language sang our South African national anthem. From in and around Johannesburg we came together to engage, accomplish and realize our inaugural dialogue on non-racialism.

Saturday, the 11th of December, 2010 marked 21 years since Yusuf Akhalwaya and Prakash Napier passed on as a result of a bomb blast at park station, they were part of the Lenasia Youth League. Their lives were abruptly taken in the struggle against apartheid.

Our non-racialism dialogue was riddled with this symbolic day lurking in the background. It was only in our closing statements that we reminded the youth of Yusuf and Prakash. Shaheda Seedat office manager of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation told of the symbolism of the day, as one who knew these young men personally.

The activities of the day started at 8:30 am with registration. It was clear that as participants arrived they were expectant and wanted to engage in this matter of non-racialism. Ahmed Kathrada arrived on time and made his way toward our humble place and space that was secured for the dialogue. Olefile Masangane one of our lead facilitators displayed his awe as he looked upon uncle Kathy.

It is amazing to be in the presence of people who have anchored their lives in the ideals of humanity, equality and justice. You may not find words to describe, but for the sake of description I believe that for most it was a moment to behold. Participants sensed the depth of a man who has committed to a value, ethic, sincere and stubborn determination of non-racialism.

It is with great honour and a feeling of soulful and healthy pride, that I serve the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. It is my hope that we will establish non-racialism ambassadors throughout the country, the continent and the world. Such a hope is not just wishful thinking, it can be realized as we press on with faith, hope and love!

As people we gathered to explore our humanity!

SethNaicker
Managing Partner
indiAfrique training & development
Director
Office of ReconciliationDiversity & International Affairs
A collaboration of indiAfrique & Young & Able
mobile: 079 482 7445|work: 011 341 0190|e-mail: seth@indiAfrique.co.za|indiAfrique@youngable.com
http://revsethnaicker.blogspot.com/
Suite 160|Dunkeld West Centre 281 Jan Smuts Ave|Dunkeld Johannesburg|Gauteng|South Africa

Inaugural dialogue on non racialism: "a value,belief and way to build our community and our future

Tomorrow the 11.12.10 we participate in dialogue and discussion, our inaugural talkshop/workshop of a series of discussions and dialogues that will address non racialism.

The workshop will consist of an opening ceremony , a key note by Ahmed Kathrada, questions and answers, an interactive facilitated workshop, and a closing ceremony.

The learning and experience will be remarkable and we are encouraged by the remarkable interest of youth and young leaders. I am honored to serve the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation as director of youth services. The foundation has taken a step to lead with passion in impacting the lives of youth through the code,conduct and ethic drawn from non-racialism.

I look forward to hearing from seasoned narrative of Ahmed Kathrada as he delves into his value, belief and insistence on non-racialism for our communal, local and global future!

Engaging stereotypes in the workplace: “diminish the stereotypes and realize the change!”

Stereotypes are propelled by generalization of people, culture and places, e.g. Indian people like hot or pungent food. It may be true in the general sense of things, but there are those Indian people who have no interest for food that has the mother-in-law masala sting. It is natural for people to operate with stereotypes based upon their experience and their interactions with the other or lack thereof, but we must challenge stereotypes that diminish, devour and destroy people.
As you engage your everyday world, where are your stereotypes present, active and rampant? Get introspective and reflective and do a personal audit of the way you treat people and the way you react based upon the pre-conceived ideas, beliefs and biases that you have learned, inherited and established.

Moving into action:
Having introspected how do you move towards change?

• Start deconstructing thinking patterns, points of view and outlooks on life, that are informed by unhealthy stereotypes which break people down. Now in the context of meaningful relationships start reconstructing healthy realistic outlooks that promote well being.

• Ask yourself how you would like to be treated? Now, ask your colleague/s how they would like to be treated. Once you’ve established this, start applying the following golden principle: “Treat others as you would like them to treat you, but more importantly honor and treat others as they would like to be treated.”

• Stephen R. Covey in the “7 Habits of highly effective people” states, “seek first to understand then be understood.” This is not easy to do, but definitely worthwhile since it humanizes our interactions. Seek to understand the person as a priority, before you expect the person to understand you.

• Apply your listening skills and openness to the person whom you work with. Be present and active as you seek to listen to and understand the other.
Allow people to live beyond the boxes and mental prisons we place them in. By doing so we will be liberating ourselves and others!

SethNaicker
Managing Partner
indiAfrique training & development
Director
Office of Reconciliation Diversity & International Affairs
In collaboration with Young & Able
mobile: 079 482 7445|work: 011 341 0190|e-mail: seth@indiAfrique.co.za|seth@youngable.com
http://revsethnaicker.blogspot.com/
Suite 160|Dunkeld West Centre 281 Jan Smuts Ave|Dunkeld Johannesburg|Gauteng|South Africa