Whilst everyone respects the constitutional right to freedom of association, when exclusive organizations are allowed to form and then make decisions contrary to the public interest, on very public issues, based on their segregated ideologies, the constitutional protection afforded to freedom of association is pushed even beyond the boundaries as envisaged by the most free-thinking of those who seek to uphold it.

When will the population in SA move beyond colour?

What has been absent from this debate is that an association like the Forum of Black Journalists is likely to have to discharge the burden of showing:

I strongly believe that rules or laws should be applied consistently in order for fairness and justice to prevail. If it was 'white only organisation' chasing black journalist away, hell would break loose.

I have no problem with the existence of a racially exclusive body existing especially to address prejudice, actual or perceived, against them with historic roots.

Should an exclusive organisation be allowed?

Maybe the principles laid down in the Scarbrow judgment can help with the current debate?

Hell, yes. Golf has never been the same since we allowed women and other undesirables onto the course. Pleased to see that the Human Rights Commission has grown balls (or is it a voice?) since Thabo (I am an African and have all the answers] Mbeki has been sidelined.

I feel there's no problem with the exclusion of white journalists from the FBJ.

I’m writing in reference to exclusive organisations and meetings.