The Purpose Statement of the Human Bridge Movement
To transform the future of South Africa in terms of the economy, governance and politics with particular focus on social cohesion to ensure a dignified life for all South Africans
Values
- (Re)distribution
- Restoration, distribution, ownership and access
- Equity
- Fairness and impartiality based on individual needs and circumstances
- Truth
- Exposing the true history of South Africa
- Healing
- Reversing the beliefs that were designed to favour some people over others.
Our Mission
Through racial healing activities, we aim to empower individuals, organisations and businesses to take action, build relationships, and contribute to a more just and equitable society for all.
Racial Healing
- Racial healing can be defined as the process of acknowledging, addressing, and reconciling the deep-rooted racial wounds, divisions, and disparities that exist within a society.
- Racial Healing promotes dialogue, dismantles systemic racism, builds equity, and develops authentic relationships capable of transforming communities and shifting our national discourse.
- Racial healing recognizes that the journey towards racial equity and justice requires acknowledging and addressing historical and ongoing racial injustices, while also promoting healing, reconciliation, and long-term systemic change.
- We need to create spaces and opportunities for open and honest conversations, listening, learning, and ultimately building human bridges of understanding and respect across racial divides.
Do not be colour blind. Rather be colour brave.
Judge Albie Sachs
What is racial healing all about?
- Restores people and communities
- Helps you to know and understand your own racial identity
- Encourages increased self-awareness of one’s own biases and prejudices
- Repairs the psychological damage caused by systemic racism
- Inspires you to overcome shame, guilt, or grief about your race
- Teaches you how to identify and challenge racism when you observe it
- Acknowledges the truth about past wrongs
- Builds and strengthens recognition of our common humanity
- Defines & facilitates trust-building
- Fosters authentic relationships that bridge the divides created by actual and perceived differences
- Enables the identification and eradication of micro-aggressions (subtle racism).
- Break down the mistrust that has created fear and separation
What Racial Healing is NOT?
All South Africans can benefit from racial healing and should be exposed to these healing practices. Whatever the race, age or gender, racial polarisation has affected and traumatised people in many different ways.
- Not the soft stuff but the hardest part of the journey
- Not about retribution, but restoration
- Not a blame game, or a guilt trip
The human bridge
In the same way as two pieces of land, divided by troubled waters, can be connected by the building of a physical bridge, so too can separated groups of human beings, divided by racial identities, be connected by the building of a psychological bridge.
