He was speaking to OFM News after the Northern Cape became the fifth province in which the Ahmed Kathrada and Nelson Mandela Foundations launched its Anti-Racism Network South Africa (ARNSA). This launch was done in Kimberley. 

The aim of the network is to tackle racism and encourage South Africans to speak out against racial discrimination. Van der Merwe says racism and other forms of discrimination cannot be resolved by individuals and one organisation alone.

“There are a lot of South Africans and organisations that are busy doing social justice work and working towards social cohesion. They are addressing all forms of intolerance and discrimination. I think what sometimes happens is that we do know each other; we all need to work together and I think the Anti-racism Network provides that,” says Van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe adds the Anti-Racism Network will be launched in the North West by the end of this month.

OFM News