Baseless remark the kind that sustains racism in SA

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THE report, "Racism storm over PE houses" (February 22), illustrates, in no uncertain way, the lack of perspective, logic and appreciation for the rule of law by those in authority in our city. It certainly raises some questions:

• On what basis is a law designed to protect the rights of citizens living in an urban area from people acting outside the law to convert buildings into unsightly properties which degrade the area, considered to be an "apartheid" law?

• In what way are the courts, in this instance, "undermining human rights"? Are the people who made this accusation inferring that the persons who knowingly acted illegally and have been found guilty have rights and that the "victims" do not?

Rayno Kayser's contention that Pungee Naidoo "was taken to court by a white woman who could not stand to see black persons progressing" is the kind of baseless and unintelligent racist remark that generates and sustains racism. It also raises the question: does Naidoo normally consider herself "black" or is this an honour bestowed upon her by Kayser?

I would think that there are enough problems which need solving in our city. Perhaps the councillors should apply their minds to these problems rather than "take up arms" on a matter which the courts are more than capable of handling.