Ripple of Hope

CAPE TIMES

Friday, June 10, 1966

Kennedy: S.A. Could be ‘Explosive’

     DAR-ES-SALAAM. – Senator Robert Kennedy warned yesterday that an “explosive situation” could develop in South Africa if relations between Africans and Whites remained unchanged. “I’m not predicting that there will be bloodshed and violence,” he told newsmen.
     “It’s a very difficult problem – but I hope there is sufficient influence in Africa and elsewhere to bring about a peaceful solution.”
     Senator Kennedy, who flew here from a visit to South Africa, said the situation could become explosive not only for South Africa but for the rest of the continent because it would increase bitterness between races.

“UNHAPPY TRIP”      “Obviously it is tragic when, because of the colour of their skin, people are treated unequally. Therefore, for this reason, my trip to South Africa was unhappy.
     “But I was strongly impressed by the fact there are strong elements among Whites, Africans and Coloureds who have strong feelings about the development of South Africa towards justice and equality.
     “I was encouraged by the widespread concern felt in South Africa at the deteriorating situation.
     “This concern is far more widespread that is realized outside the country.”

BASIC IDEALISM      Earlier, in a stopover at Nairobi, he said he was impressed by the young people of South Africa, among whom there was considerable basic idealism. They were hungry for exchanges of views with the rest of the world.
     He hoped his visit had contributed to the dialogue on South Africa.
     He had had a good reception in South Africa from all sections of the community.
     The South African situation was not entirely limited to that country. The same thing happened in some parts of the United States, “It was very bad,” he said.

MAY SEE JOMO      Senator Kennedy expressed deep interest in East Africa and said he hoped to meet Kenya’s President Jomo Kenyatta and President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania.
     He was prepared to campaign anywhere in the world for race justice.
      Senator Kennedy is due back in Nairobi after visiting Tanzania.
      Before leaving Johannesburg yesterday Senator Kennedy said that South Africa’s religious leaders had the responsibility of teaching people to accept the human dignity and rights of all men.
     “I would say religious leaders have the major responsibility – not simply a responsibility,” he emphasized.
     “Their task is one of guidance. Where religious leaders abdicate this responsibility, a very difficult situation develops.” (Sapa-A.P.Reuter)