LGSC’s Recruitments: Discrimination, Social Cohesion and the Law

Sheila Bunwaree

Mauritius is often cited as an example of harmonious inter-ethnic relations, a model of multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence. The latter is captured by the slogan ‘Unity in Diversity’. This narrative tends to hide the many structural inequalities and latent discriminations which are slowly destroying the Mauritian social fabric, thus posing a serious threat to our social cohesion. It is perhaps this very threat, amongst other reasons, which led to the setting up of the Truth and Justice Commission in 2009.

The Commission had, as its main objectives, the investigation of the historical and socioeconomic consequences of slavery and indentured labour. The Commission made several recommendations, with the view of healing the wounds of history and reconciling the nation but most of them have been left unattended. The Truth and Justice Commission notes:

“There appears to be social cohesion in Mauritius, but this is at the surface level only. At a deeper level, Mauritius is an openly racist and bigoted country. It was found that there is a discourse of ‘comfort zone’ and fair discrimination in promoting communalism and ultimately racism under the guise of protecting institutional cohesion…”

Can we therefore really pride ourselves as a model of multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence? More so, when discriminations of diverse kinds persist, with those in power often turning a blind eye and/or even finding all sorts of subterfuge, to camouflage certain ‘uncomfortable’ realities.  Responses such as what we saw recently in parliament, regarding the discriminatory recruitments by the LGSC only go to show how hypocritical and immature our democracy can be. Instead of allowing citizens’ grievances to be channeled through the political system, recourse to the law to shut people out on grounds of privacy have been adopted. Ensuring a harmonious multiethnic society remains a very delicate balancing act but without the TRUTH, the balancing act becomes even more difficult.

Excessive legalism and/or failing to understand that certain issues and circumstances call for a broader approach, can sadly help to reproduce the status quo.  The latter then means that diversity accommodation based on principles of inclusion, fairness and equity, cannot make the necessary inroads for greater social justice and peace. An appreciation of the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law is also required at times.

Favouritism & Discrimination – ‘Breach of the Data Protection Law”?

The discriminatory nature of the appointments for the post of refuse collectors and General Workers by the LGSC, raised by Annabelle Savabaddy, backbencher of the majority,  as well as  the leader of the opposition resonates with some of us, who continue to strive to make Mauritius a more just and inclusive society.

Unjust, differential and unequal treatment based on characteristics such as ethnic/racial, class, gender, age or sexual orienta