Discourse on Affirmative Action: Perspectives of a Privileged Minority

The legislated system of racial privileging institutionalised under apartheid in South Africa was dismantled with the transition to an inclusive democracy. With the normality of a racialised order questioned measures were instituted to address the legacy of the apartheid workplace regime. In this paper the discourse of middle-class whites to challenges to entitlements they have enjoyed historically, is considered. This discourse reveals how privilege and disadvantage is conceived, and shifts, with a loss of power to dictate terms of engagement with others. Narratives on colour-blind merit, efficiency and equity are marshalled to protect a privilege position and challenge potential threats.