The term “fong kong” (slang for fake or counterfeit) is offensive and racist, says City of Johannesburg ANC chief whip Prema Naidoo.
He was responding to an article in The Star that stated that he had accused DA councillors of being racist, an assertion that sparked a walkout.
Naidoo said he had been referring to only one councillor, Basil Douglas, who had used the word as a derogatory term for spare parts that did not work for Metrobus being used by the city.
Naidoo said the article had given the impression he had accused all DA councillors of being racist. “The truth, as the minutes of council will reflect, is that a DA councillor repeatedly used the term ‘fong kong’ during an earlier part of the council agenda.
“(This) prompted me to state that I thought that that particular councillor was being racist in using that term.
“My motivation for objecting to the use of this term stems from the fact that I am acutely sensitive to the fact that the City of Johannesburg is home to residents of Chinese origins. There may be among this particular community, members who find this term objectionable and demeaning,” Naidoo said.
It was his contention that the council, as a body of elected civic leaders, had to exercise responsibility in the terminology it used and the manner in which it debated issues.
“In a city which has witnessed xenophobic violence, the use of the term ‘fong kong’ is highly irresponsible and reckless. I have and will continue to object to that kind of divisive language from which ever quarter it emanates,” said Naidoo. - The Star
Just about any utterance has the potential to offend someone, somewhere. People need to grow up...
