The stories over the past few days about the death of South Africa’s defender of apartheid has had me shaking my head and today’s story about his funeral and the reaction and comments of his followers gave me a sense of déjà-vu (BBC News - Eugene Terreblanche: Love and hate).

For the record, the taking of life by anyone is always a sad event and no matter Mr Terreblanche’s politics, his was not for the taking. If only his passing was not being taken up as a story to continue to spread hate and fear; for death should be a time for bringing people together.

It is quite amazing that for people who claim to have the genetic advantage of being distinctly superior to other human being on the planet, that followers of Mr. Terreblanche and the thousands ‘Rhodesians’ in far flung place like New Zealand and Australia fail to read the writing on the wall. There will not be another Rhodesia or Afrikaner homeland ever, ever, ever. Just as they helped perpetuate the decline of the British Empire, their time has also come to an end and a new era, for better or for worse, is here now.

It is not just in Africa that the signs are showing but all over the world, including the last bastion of white supremacy of Australia. They have to work side by side and compete and win and lose to people of colour; Asians, South Americans and even Africans. Whatever they mutter under their breaths and uphold in their homes, their children go to school with other people and their supremacy mentality will be challenged by their own, just as the young in other communities such as the Indians, are challenging the traditions of their elders.

But fear not, for that is the way of the world. Our young learn for us and then adapt the lessons to a changing environment, it is what has made the ‘human race’ so successful and will ensure the survival of our species, no matter the colour of the skin.

[First published on my NotTheNews blog on specified date]