Wednesday, July 15, 2026

With a whole-of-government effort tilted toward equity, California is poised to become the next South Africa.

 California’s political and social transformation under Governor Gavin Newsom, drawing parallels with post-apartheid South Africa's race-based governance. It outlines how measures aimed at achieving racial equity have permeated various facets of California's government, education, and social policies.

● Historical Context: After apartheid ended in South Africa in 1994, new policies focused on redress for nonwhite citizens. This included affirmative action, land reform, and economic empowerment, but led to corruption and economic decline over time.

● California’s Political Shift: Historically a refuge from racism, California has seen a leftist political shift over the past 15 years, with Democrats introducing policies reminiscent of South Africa's racialized government.

● Executive Order N-16-22: Signed by Newsom in 2022, this order initiated a shift in government focus towards race-based equity, requiring agencies to adapt their missions to prioritize disparities based on race.

● Racial Equity Commission: Created alongside the executive order, this commission aims to embed racial equity into state policy and administration, mirroring South Africa's approach to governance.

● Educational Changes: California's schools have adopted ethnic studies requirements that include leftist ideologies and emphasize racial identity, diverting focus from traditional educational goals.

● Reparations Task Force: Established in 2020, it examines the societal impacts of slavery and suggests a wide range of reparations proposals, despite California’s history as a free state.

● Legislative Proposals: New measures like A. B. 801 propose significant changes, including prioritizing benefits and resources for underrepresented groups, reminiscent of racial redistribution policies.

● Criticisms and Concerns: Critics argue that California’s approach reinforces division rather than promoting unity, and that the push for equity may lead to further economic and social disarray.

● Future Implications: With ongoing policies and proposals, California sets a precedent that could influence other states and potentially lead to broader racialist agendas across the United States.

California's political landscape is undergoing a radical transformation guided by principles of racial equity. The state's government policies, education system, and proposals for reparations reflect a shift towards race-based governance similar to South Africa’s post-apartheid model. The outcomes of these policies raise concerns about economic viability and social cohesion, serving as a warning for both Californians and the rest of the country about the consequences of prioritizing race in governance. 

https://www.city-journal.org/article/california-race-based-policies

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