The 20th anniversary of Mandela’s release from prison was honoured by thousands of South Africans on February 11th. Although the 91 year-old was not present, the crowds paid their respects to him in the Prison of Victor Verster, surrounding a ten foot high statue which depicts him taking the first steps to freedom.
“Although there are indications of an emerging black middle-class (the “black diamonds”), the economy continues to be powered by whites“
Mandela’s speech on his release was a beacon of hope for reconciliation, and his efforts prior to, and during, his presidency won him a Nobel Prize and the respect of millions worldwide. But faith in change, having been inextricably bound up with Mandela’s person, seems to have weathered since his decision to step down. Although there are indications of an emerging black middle-class (the “black diamonds”), the economy continues to be powered by whites. In cities, there are still residential areas where black people are outright refused access. In rural areas, there are still reports of white farmers shooting at natives “mistaking them for baboons.” But there have also been cases of targeted attacks against whites; seven against Brandon Huntley alone. Huntley sought asylum in Canada, but his success was condemned by the ANC as an inflation of problems. Even more worrying is the Reconciliation Barometer Report of the African Institute of Justice and Reconciliation: on a typical day, 1/4 of South Africans do not talk to people of other races and only half see an improvement of race relations since apartheid.
The current president – Jacob Zuma – was born within the ostracised class. A member of the Zulu clan, he is hailed as “the new Mandela”, and perhaps his background is sufficient to restore faith in further change; but there is a fear that any uptrend may not last. Mandela’s words still have the power of binding the conscience of the crowds: “Remember the horrors from which we come” (2008). But will things change when he is gone?
“A place for new found tolerance and generosity, the atmosphere during the World Cup will reflect (albeit optimistically) much of South African attitudes”
Zuma’s remarks in Parliament on the 11th seem to combine the energy of the past with a vision for the future. A place for new found tolerance and generosity, the atmosphere during the World Cup will reflect (albeit optimistically) much of South African attitudes; hoping, of course, that it will be unnecessary to restrict, and thereby distort, the masses’ free expression of this sentiment.
