Stripping off coded language and various euphemisms, it sounds like the author angles for further nationalization of "white" money and property. We all know how it will end: the remaining whites will leave, and South Africa will become another African failed state. Just look at their neighbors. But that will be later; for now, the author and his cohort would have a ball.
14
A additional factor largely unexamined is the migration of white South Africans to other nations during the past twenty-one years. Significant numbers from both the Boer as well as the English-speaking communities have left. I would like to see the NTY devote an article to this. Why did they leave and what are their perspectives?
16
Sisonke Msimang is correct to refer to the end of the Rainbow Nation myth. This was always an invention of the media and politicians. As the economy comes under pressure as a result of the venality and spectacular incompetence of the ruling party, so the rifts widen and the truth emerges.
It is customary among many black South Africans to lionize the existence or potential of black figures past. This is tempting because the current crop of black leaders, as manifested in the African National Congress are so pitiful and dismal. Of course the hypothesis will forever be untested.
While there can be no arguing that black South Africans still suffer enormously, this is the result of a government (an oxymoron in this context) that cannot gets its snout out of the public funds trough and treats its people with sheer contempt and disdain. Since it is a matter of record that the electorate vote overwhelmingly according to race, black South Africans only have themselves to blame for their current predicament. After all, in a democracy you get the government you deserve.
It is customary among many black South Africans to lionize the existence or potential of black figures past. This is tempting because the current crop of black leaders, as manifested in the African National Congress are so pitiful and dismal. Of course the hypothesis will forever be untested.
While there can be no arguing that black South Africans still suffer enormously, this is the result of a government (an oxymoron in this context) that cannot gets its snout out of the public funds trough and treats its people with sheer contempt and disdain. Since it is a matter of record that the electorate vote overwhelmingly according to race, black South Africans only have themselves to blame for their current predicament. After all, in a democracy you get the government you deserve.
25
I often wonder if the U.S. had participated in a T & R type of commission, would that have helped the dynamic of racism. I guess my answer would be No, if only one side is doing the lions hare of the painful work toward equality. I think the problem is that people want to forget the past and centuries of dehumanization of people. I think we are experiencing the effects of denial of the past dehumanization of subjugated peoples in many parts of the world. The aspect of Truth is sorely lacking.
6
Chris Hani was a violent communist organizer who was trained in the Soviet Union for the purpose of communist revolution in South Africa.
Unfortunately, the author is deficient in writing a valid history and leaves out this very important fact.
Unfortunately, the author is deficient in writing a valid history and leaves out this very important fact.
26
Polls have shown a majority of South Africans believe life was better under apartheid than it is now. Genocide Watch has South Africa at Stage 6 for preparations. Black South Africans leaders routinely chant "kill the boer, kill the settler" in their national chants (despite the fact that whites have been living here for 300 years). 50 people are killed a day, 20 of whom are white, even though they are 9% of the population. Over 6000 white farmers have been killed since 1994 in targeted massacres. Moreover, over 70,000 whites have been killed, 10 times the number of blacks killed by the apartheid regime. Some 500,000 have fled the nation. The international community has either, at best, ignored these killings, or, at worst, condoned and justified it (hey these whites deserve it anyway, right?). South Africa is less diverse, more violent, and is dissolving into Zimbabwe.
28
The author says, "Like Mr. Hani, we are cynical and distrustful of those who hold power — irrespective of race." What except race explains the continued support for corrupt ANC politicians, such as current President Jacob Zuma?
20
The ANC after 1994 were captured by the monied class. Corruption is rife, incompetence abound. Loyalty to the leadership is bought through deployment to lucrative positions in provincial and local government. Time and again ministers and officials fail utterly at the tasks set them but demotion and dismissal almost never results.
The black economic empowerment policies the government instituted seldom result in more than a well connected black person lending his name (and providing access to government officials) to a white owned and managed business.
Schools mainly attended by black township children and directly managed by the government are atrocious. Formerly White schools where much of the management were devolved to the (mostly white) staff and management committee (elected by the parents) offer good to excellent education.
I could go on and on. The ANC is failing the people it purports to represent. It has done almost nothing to address the crushing disadvantages non-whites suffered under Apartheid. Our lack of reconciliation and Apartheid denialism, as tragic and destructive as they are, are not our biggest problems. What is holding this country back is the ANC's greed, incompetence and complete lack of a sense of duty and responsibility.
The black economic empowerment policies the government instituted seldom result in more than a well connected black person lending his name (and providing access to government officials) to a white owned and managed business.
Schools mainly attended by black township children and directly managed by the government are atrocious. Formerly White schools where much of the management were devolved to the (mostly white) staff and management committee (elected by the parents) offer good to excellent education.
I could go on and on. The ANC is failing the people it purports to represent. It has done almost nothing to address the crushing disadvantages non-whites suffered under Apartheid. Our lack of reconciliation and Apartheid denialism, as tragic and destructive as they are, are not our biggest problems. What is holding this country back is the ANC's greed, incompetence and complete lack of a sense of duty and responsibility.
18
On the bright side in comparison to the USA I doubt that 50% of white youth in the USA would declare that Jim Crow segregation was a crime against humanity.
5
Jacob Zuma, RSA current president (ANC) is as corrupt as they make 'em. He costs a lot of money which goes for his estate (Knandla), his 3 or so wives,and multiple children. Has been accused, rightly, for rape, and shady arms deals and shows ignorance about AIDS.(just take a shower after sex). Comics show his head with a shower head on his forehead) The electricity(ESCOM) is in shambles and causes "load shedding"(timed blackouts) and is run by incompetents. Many good engineers have left RSA , Shanty towns(townships) house millions of black folks. However, tourists are pouring in as well as corporations and certain areas(The Western Cape, for example )are wonderful to live in.(Cape Town). The western cape is run by premier Helen Zille(Democratic Alliance) and the mayor of Cape Town is Patricia da Lille. They run a fairly tight ship. The ANC is trying to get their hands on the Western Cape but the ANC, while still the majority is losing popularity each year. The newspapers ,(Cape Times and the Cape Argus and the Sun. Independent) have good journalists and present much needed information and some superb cartoonists. We live there in Sea Point during Jan.Feb.and March. and love the summer weather, the drop dead beauty of the place and good restaurants and Hotels. and nearby wildlife and 5 star wine estates and modern shopping
opportunities However, students at Cape University have now torn down the statue of Cecil John Rhodes because he represented white superiority.
opportunities However, students at Cape University have now torn down the statue of Cecil John Rhodes because he represented white superiority.
2
I marched and carried signs against Apartheid in the 80s, helped facilitate the visit of ANC speakers to my college campus. I participated in the takeover of the administration building and the construction and support of a lengthy shanty town presence outside the endowment association building as part of the divestiture movement.
But what a tragedy it was to watch Mugabe take Zimbabwe down the path to demagogy and impoverishment when all the socialist facades began to fail as so typically happens when the "vanguard" begins to enrich itself at the expense of the "masses" while whipping up the old magic about the enduring effects of the past to justify any and all failures, blah, blah, blah.
Without Mandela the same thing would have already happened in South Africa. Every day that passes since his death is a day the water behind the dam rises. The obscene behavior of so many black South Africans, the horrific crimes they commit, the murders, rapes, massive property crime-- begs an answer to the question: at what point does a people have to take responsibility for its behavior in the here and now despite what has been done to it in the past?
Africa is a basket case of paranoia, fanaticism, and blood-letting today. On the entire continent there isn't a single bright spot to point to. Egypt, Somalia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa-- the spectrum of reasons for, and depravity of, the killing of African by African seems to have no limit.
And so many of us once believed.
But what a tragedy it was to watch Mugabe take Zimbabwe down the path to demagogy and impoverishment when all the socialist facades began to fail as so typically happens when the "vanguard" begins to enrich itself at the expense of the "masses" while whipping up the old magic about the enduring effects of the past to justify any and all failures, blah, blah, blah.
Without Mandela the same thing would have already happened in South Africa. Every day that passes since his death is a day the water behind the dam rises. The obscene behavior of so many black South Africans, the horrific crimes they commit, the murders, rapes, massive property crime-- begs an answer to the question: at what point does a people have to take responsibility for its behavior in the here and now despite what has been done to it in the past?
Africa is a basket case of paranoia, fanaticism, and blood-letting today. On the entire continent there isn't a single bright spot to point to. Egypt, Somalia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa-- the spectrum of reasons for, and depravity of, the killing of African by African seems to have no limit.
And so many of us once believed.
24
Dan, while I agree with your general assessment that Africa has many problems - mostly in it's leadership - I disagree that there are no bright spots. As someone who's worked in a dozen African countries over the last 12 years, seems to me that there are bright spots in Ghana, Botswana, Rwanda (yes, I know there's some controversy with this one but it's a country that works on many levels - especially considering it's history) and probably others. And many countries are making serious progress. The brightest spots are the African people themselves - common citizens - many of whom I've found motivated, warm, capable and ready to improve conditions for their families and their countries - if only their leaders would get out of the way.
5
The NYT is really starting to look incredibly biased in favour of a radical leftist agenda when it comes to its scant reporting on South African affairs. I have seen nothing on the disastrous state this country finds itself in today, events which affect ALL South Africans. I'm talking about the meltdown of party/ State owned enterprises like the national energy facility, Eskom, the national airline, SAA and even the postal services SAPO. Not to mention the dismal state of our education and health systems.
et all we see hear about are how black people are disillusioned with the new South Africa. Well, I can tell you that white South Africans are pretty damn disappointed too. It is pretty apparent that after 20 years of black majority rule, that the majority of blacks have yet to see the benefit. They are still living in poverty, with absolutely no hope of a better life on the horizon.
Yet the president of this country, Jacob Zuma, has seen fit to build himself a $20 million palace using taxpayer's funds and is currently looking to acquire a brand new presidential jet airplane. It is estimated that under his admin, around $700 million has been losted to corruption and maladministration.
It's high time the NYT started reporting on these real world events and giving their readers a balanced portrait of what is happening in the 'new South Africa'.
et all we see hear about are how black people are disillusioned with the new South Africa. Well, I can tell you that white South Africans are pretty damn disappointed too. It is pretty apparent that after 20 years of black majority rule, that the majority of blacks have yet to see the benefit. They are still living in poverty, with absolutely no hope of a better life on the horizon.
Yet the president of this country, Jacob Zuma, has seen fit to build himself a $20 million palace using taxpayer's funds and is currently looking to acquire a brand new presidential jet airplane. It is estimated that under his admin, around $700 million has been losted to corruption and maladministration.
It's high time the NYT started reporting on these real world events and giving their readers a balanced portrait of what is happening in the 'new South Africa'.
38
Mandela is revered for making peace.
Are we now supposed to canonize someone who wanted the killing to continue, because he was an early victim?
Are we now supposed to canonize someone who wanted the killing to continue, because he was an early victim?
21
The ANC has been in power for 21 years. It now owns the epidemics of AIDS and violent crime in South Africa. It failed to improve education for its people. It owns the ridiculous unemployment rate. Blaming a minority that is no longer in power is nothing but racism and scapegoating. Very troubling to say the least for these tools to appeal to the darker side of human nature have historically been very successful. The path is disastrous. If I were a businessman invested in South Africa, I would pull out now.
19
Get over your longing for the loss of a potential revolutionary president, Mr. Msimang. I'm not saying forget that Mr. Hani was murdered by unaplologetic white supremacists. At least his murderers are in prison.
I lived in SA for some time in the 80s and early 90s. What a lovely and vibrant country! I would still be living there if it weren't for the crime.
What a loss it will be for the whole world if the SA populace does not use the tools of democracy it was given at independence to elect leaders who will not make their personal wealth accumulation and nepotism their first priorities.
Just look north to see your future if South Africans do not get their act together soon.
I lived in SA for some time in the 80s and early 90s. What a lovely and vibrant country! I would still be living there if it weren't for the crime.
What a loss it will be for the whole world if the SA populace does not use the tools of democracy it was given at independence to elect leaders who will not make their personal wealth accumulation and nepotism their first priorities.
Just look north to see your future if South Africans do not get their act together soon.
18
He should die in jail. I'm only surprised that some fellow inmate hasn't already ended his sorry existence.
It should be stated that Chris Hani was the head of the South African Communist Party. I note that not to take anything away from Mr. Hani. The Communist Party played an important and heroic role in the ending of apartheid. I suspect leaving out this important fact from Mr. Msimang's column was in consideration of US political fears and prejudice. Such censorship, whether by the New York Times or self-censorship by Mr. Msimang, only serves to hide history, and confuse the future.
10
Complaining about the current government does not change the fact that the white apartheid government systematically brutalized and murdered millions of black, Asian, Coloured (mixed-race) and fellow whites who opposed apartheid from 1947 to 1994.
In 2015, Germany’s Central Investigation Center for Nazi Crimes still investigates crimes committed from 1933 to 1945. South Africa should set up an analogous body dedicated to serving justice to the countless victims and to South African society as a whole.
In 2015, Germany’s Central Investigation Center for Nazi Crimes still investigates crimes committed from 1933 to 1945. South Africa should set up an analogous body dedicated to serving justice to the countless victims and to South African society as a whole.
3
If young, white South Africans truly have forgotten the past, remind them. If they think their new society is perfect, show them it is not.
But if you seek vengence against them for the sins of their fathers, it is you who will become a threat to the welfare of both your children and theirs.
But if you seek vengence against them for the sins of their fathers, it is you who will become a threat to the welfare of both your children and theirs.
34
Based on American history and South Africa's recent history, true back-white equality will only come through education. Education, followed by hard work begets a respect that cannot be achieved in any other way. In the US welfare rather than workfare and the paucity of programs that reward education and hard work rather than indolence have kept us mired in racial 'inequality'. South Africa is very fortunate to have commodities....gold, diamonds, uranium, coal, platinum...to support its migration to a viable multiracial state. Sadly it may involve two or three generations before the political hacks who capitalize on the race and intertribal cards are flushed out of the system. With arguably 40% unemployment amongst the blacks, including perhaps 4-5 million illegals, the challenges are huge. Like in the US, jobs are the main answer....and education is critical for addressing this need. It can not be met over night. It will require a 30 year strategic plan, executed by an educated focused government likely not voted in by color or tribal affiliation, but proven competence.
3
I understood and appreciated this article with the exception of the following sentence: "We see reconciliation as part of a narrative that was constructed on the basis of anxieties that are no longer relevant: Democracy has taught us that raised voices don’t have to lead to war."
What anxieties exactly are no longer relevant?
Doesn't the rest of the article imply that a kind of "war" would have been preferable, and that the raised voices of the departed politicians would have provided that preferable alternative?
What anxieties exactly are no longer relevant?
Doesn't the rest of the article imply that a kind of "war" would have been preferable, and that the raised voices of the departed politicians would have provided that preferable alternative?
3
It appears that the writer wants South Africa to go down the same vengeful path that Zimbabwe took after two decades of black rule. How'd that work out for Zimbabwe, anyway?
The novel that won the Boer writer J.M. Coetzee the Nobel Prize for Literature, "Disgrace," was made into an interesting 2009 movie with John Malkovich as Coetzee's alter ego. Here's a detailed review that explains something about revenge:
http://takimag.com/article/heart_of_darkness/print#axzz3WydSolru
Coetzee now lives in Australia. It would be a graceful gesture for President Obama to offer the Nobel Laureate refugee status in America.
The novel that won the Boer writer J.M. Coetzee the Nobel Prize for Literature, "Disgrace," was made into an interesting 2009 movie with John Malkovich as Coetzee's alter ego. Here's a detailed review that explains something about revenge:
http://takimag.com/article/heart_of_darkness/print#axzz3WydSolru
Coetzee now lives in Australia. It would be a graceful gesture for President Obama to offer the Nobel Laureate refugee status in America.
4
I would like to posit the idea that this author is seeing things through from a certain perspective. That whites benefited from apartheid, therefore if they are in a priviliged position it is b/c of apartheid. For example see this article here http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2014-07-10-a-few-good-whites-.... "Yet on the other hand, many of the influential and well-resourced organisations in the urban-based NGO sector have white directors and senior staff and their boards have a disproportionate number of white folks on them. In short, those who hold power in the NGO sector continue to be those who benefited from privileges of the Apartheid era." The danger with such views, is the assumption that this achievement is somehow tainted, and that all successful white people come from privilige. It makes sweeping generalisations about whites and their experiences and attitudes. The way to deal with these issues I would argue, would be to not create caricatures about people of any colour. Many white people will now begin to enter the workforce who had no part in apartheid, to what extent should a new generation be held to account for the sins of the older one? What is the motivation for this rallying call, justice or revenge? Reconciliation is a much more powerful way to move forward. Time, compassion, forgiveness are required for this societal transformation. Zimbabwe shows there are no easy shortcuts
5
Great Article! As a young South African, & someone who attends a historically white institution (Rhodes University) the rainbow nation narrative is almost always used as a means to invalidate black people's experience in the country. Because of the rainbow nation fallacy, black people are expected to disregard the structurally unjust systems that exist even today .
What makes the conversation towards true transformation in our country difficult, is the fact that race and privilege are issues that are 'uncomfortable' to talk about. This is partly because white supremacy is deeply protected & is rarely challenged.
Personally I feel like notions such as "Aparthheid is over, move on", "Not everything is about race,", "There is just one race - the human race" and others like this , grossly undermine progress in the larger conversation of Race in our country.
What makes the conversation towards true transformation in our country difficult, is the fact that race and privilege are issues that are 'uncomfortable' to talk about. This is partly because white supremacy is deeply protected & is rarely challenged.
Personally I feel like notions such as "Aparthheid is over, move on", "Not everything is about race,", "There is just one race - the human race" and others like this , grossly undermine progress in the larger conversation of Race in our country.
3
Hatred begets hatred (zimbabwe), reconciliation breaks the cycle (south africa). South Africans are fortunate to have had Nelson Mandela. Sometimes we need to let go of what we want, to build the greater good for future generations. The treaty of Versailles and the Marshall plan were two approaches to a similar problem, how to treat your 'enemy'. We are all people, and people change given the chance, and a mixture of compassion, and forgiveness. Some won't change, but lets not hold ourselves back from progress on their account
6
While the language of systemic racism - imported to SA from the US - may be vaguely plausible where blacks are a minority (if one is willing to overlook the denigration of other races and ignore the inherent racial stereotyping) in South Africa, where whites make up fewer than 10% of the population and the (black) majority has exercised unchallenged political power for more than 20 years, its use is startling and surely misplaced. How can blacks be systematically excluded in a country where they make up more than 75% of the population and whites less than 10%? Why the focus on events that happened more than 20 years ago, and so little on what has happened in between, and why? And where is the positive vision for blacks in South Africa that does not revolve around empty symbolism ("Whites must be contrite" - when no-one born younger than 40 in 1990 - so born after 1950 - could have exerted any influence over the Apartheid republic at all) or rudderless 'activism' without any clear long-term goal? The implicit suggestion of the article - that blacks can only be fully emancipated in a society that does not grant all citizens basic rights and freedoms regardless of their race - deserves to be roundly condemned by all freedom-loving people, but ESPECIALLY by those who continue to struggle for non-racial and democratic dispensations everywhere - including the US and South Africa.
10
"Democracy has taught us that raised voices don’t have to lead to war." is the most important sentence of this article - this article is a call to all South Africans to engage passionately and respectfully in the making of their country.
Though I love South Africa and live in it for part of the year, I don't pretend to totally understand the dynamics in the country. What I do understand, though, is that apartheid was officially over in 1994. That was 21 years ago. You have to move on. At this point, nothing good comes out of rehashing the past. The whites gave up control of the country. The ANC has the power now. A Zulu man is president. Black empowerment is the law of the land and black people get preferential hiring treatment. Black people in South Africa hold their future in their own hands. They are no longer victims.
13
Our problem is lousy leadership.Greed and cowardice characterise our government. The rainbow nation is still alive, but deeply saddened by the passing of a great generation and the loss of calm voices.
6
Too many people are (predictably) interpreting the claim about robust disharmony as automatically signifying a call for lawlessness and violence. As a fellow young South African, I interpret it as a claim about people not being prepared to accept the status quo in the name of reconciliation and forgiveness. South Africans want social justice, which is yet to be achieved. And they won't allow their voices to be quieted by the powerful old narrative in which reconciliation was the dominant theme. I think that most South Africans still want to live with one another. They just don't want the still existent privileges of the wealthy to go unacknowledged or ironed over.
3
Nelson Mandela stands among the world's greatest political leaders ever. In 1990, transition to black majority from white apartheid minority was accomplished without a bloodbath. Mandela's party, the ANC, has been ruling the country since then.
Nelson Mandela's african version of ' I have dream' became " I had a nightmare" as his political associates took over power. The black majority continues to be as poor, illiterate and deprived of basic human needs/rights as during the apartheid era.
The ANC is riddled with corruption, enriching a small black elite of politicians and their coterie at the business community.
The ANC today is a grotesque political version of The Who 60s lyrics: Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. Politically speaking, South Africa is not much different from Zimbabwe of Robert Mugabe.
Nelson Mandela's african version of ' I have dream' became " I had a nightmare" as his political associates took over power. The black majority continues to be as poor, illiterate and deprived of basic human needs/rights as during the apartheid era.
The ANC is riddled with corruption, enriching a small black elite of politicians and their coterie at the business community.
The ANC today is a grotesque political version of The Who 60s lyrics: Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. Politically speaking, South Africa is not much different from Zimbabwe of Robert Mugabe.
25
An appropriate quote:
“Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices – just recognize them.” – Edward R. Murrow
“Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices – just recognize them.” – Edward R. Murrow
2
The ANC had it all in the hand to make SA a better place, but then greeed and massive corruption took over. Instead of improving education, the educational system slipped back, far back.
Getting rich fast has been the ANC government's highest priority, led by the infamous Jacob Zuma who does not even have a complete primary school education.He neither understands nor respects the constitution.
Because the attention of the ANC government is more fixed on its own financial interests, a power vacuum has arisen, which is gladly filled by political demagogs.
The ANC' disastrous economic policies have also led to an unemployment rate of 30% or higher. Much no longer functions, for example the postal system , the national electricity grid (power failures are a daily feature, businesses have trouble running)
For all these problems the whites are blamed although they have not been in power for 21 years. Whatever goes wrong, the ANC plays the race card.
Mandela's dream has long evaporated.
I too think that those who commited those horrible Apartheid crimes got off far too lightly. Turning back the clock and retrying these people is hardly feasible.
Getting rich fast has been the ANC government's highest priority, led by the infamous Jacob Zuma who does not even have a complete primary school education.He neither understands nor respects the constitution.
Because the attention of the ANC government is more fixed on its own financial interests, a power vacuum has arisen, which is gladly filled by political demagogs.
The ANC' disastrous economic policies have also led to an unemployment rate of 30% or higher. Much no longer functions, for example the postal system , the national electricity grid (power failures are a daily feature, businesses have trouble running)
For all these problems the whites are blamed although they have not been in power for 21 years. Whatever goes wrong, the ANC plays the race card.
Mandela's dream has long evaporated.
I too think that those who commited those horrible Apartheid crimes got off far too lightly. Turning back the clock and retrying these people is hardly feasible.
41
I've heard about how recently, a lot of college campus's are attempting to institute rules banning Jews from their institutions as well as the fact that the Israeli "Apartheid" analogy, used by antisemites has become a cause celebre of political activists. This has led to an upsurge of hate crimes against Jews in South Africa. For example, Boycott, Sanctions, and Divestment activists put pig's head in a kosher section of a grocery store and two weeks ago, a boy wearing a kippah was beat up by three teens in a mall. Is this the end of the "Rainbow Nation"--one historically oppressed minority group projecting their [well-deserved] anger onto another historically oppressed group all because of a false political comparison? I've never heard of this man, but I'm so happy that Mandela eulogized him with his peaceful words, which actually incited change. Anger and violence begets more blood and will never heal wounds. As an American, it is so obvious that the ghosts of the Apartheid system remain. It has only been a little over two decades. We've had "equality" much longer than that and yet civil rights in America are still deeply unequal.
1
Ethnic sectarian racial revolutions/ civil wars end in white mythology.
America was born in a revolution that began proclaiming certain equal unalienable rights for all persons. But it ended with Black slavery, Native genocidal colonization and misogyny intact. America survived a civil war that ended slavery but beget a very brief reconstruction and a lengthy Jim Crow era of discrimination in every phase of civil secular life including Black convict labor and indentured servitude. While the Civil Rights era ended Jim Crow. Which led to mass incarceration of Blacks under the guise of a war on drugs and crippling persistent Black poverty hidden within welfare deformation.
For Black Americans it is both " the best of times. And the worst of times". There are more Blacks than ever before relying on welfare for food, housing, education, clothing, medical and health care. There are more Blacks unemployed, underemployed and in prison than ever. Blacks are shot dead. But we have a Black President with more Blacks than ever before reaping socioeconomic, political and educational benefits.
Yet, white supremacy is still America's cancerous original sin. Conservative Republican political philosophy has adopted the Confederate state's and individual rights philosophy that once led to civil war. While the liberal Democrats have become the political refuge of Black hopes and fears for government salvation.
Biko, Sobukwe and Hani were worthy heirs to Mandela, Tambo and Sissulu.
America was born in a revolution that began proclaiming certain equal unalienable rights for all persons. But it ended with Black slavery, Native genocidal colonization and misogyny intact. America survived a civil war that ended slavery but beget a very brief reconstruction and a lengthy Jim Crow era of discrimination in every phase of civil secular life including Black convict labor and indentured servitude. While the Civil Rights era ended Jim Crow. Which led to mass incarceration of Blacks under the guise of a war on drugs and crippling persistent Black poverty hidden within welfare deformation.
For Black Americans it is both " the best of times. And the worst of times". There are more Blacks than ever before relying on welfare for food, housing, education, clothing, medical and health care. There are more Blacks unemployed, underemployed and in prison than ever. Blacks are shot dead. But we have a Black President with more Blacks than ever before reaping socioeconomic, political and educational benefits.
Yet, white supremacy is still America's cancerous original sin. Conservative Republican political philosophy has adopted the Confederate state's and individual rights philosophy that once led to civil war. While the liberal Democrats have become the political refuge of Black hopes and fears for government salvation.
Biko, Sobukwe and Hani were worthy heirs to Mandela, Tambo and Sissulu.
Justice and evening the score, this is what I'm taking from this piece. Well, history has taught us that those that get mired in the past tend to do very poorly going forward. If you think new green shoots are going to spring up from the ashes of retribution, think again. Do you really want to lose everything so that you can have a sense of pride when you destroy everything around you ? When the capital and talent flow out of the country, thats when you will really see suffering. Everybody was oppressed at one time or another. They got over it, so should you.
8
From an American perspective, I have always thought that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a classy and enlightened way of transitioning out of apartheid. It was a reflection of Nelson Mandela's policy of nonviolent resistance, which followed in the footsteps of Gandhi and Martin Luther King. While South African blacks may still have a long way to go to achieve the better life they have hopes of attaining, the alternative to the inclusive approach currently taken can be seen in Zimbabwe, where the exclusion, discrimination and oppression of whites has led to a total meltdown of civil society, s harsh dictatorship, and an economic disaster. No, a revengeful approach to rectify the sins of the past will not lead to a better life for South Africa's blacks. It will only take away the prosperity and hope that only the Mandela approach can achieve.
3
Were there to be real honesty about the past and the present, blacks would have to admit their crimes against fellow blacks as well as whites.
And they would have admit that in the past, and present, whites had/have every reason to fear black criminals. They didn't put barbedwire around their houses because they made their houses look better. They also had to hire armed guards to try to keep safe. Still do.
Now that blacks are in charge, crimes by blacks continue. Clearly, crime by blacks is not a function of what race is in power -- nor the system.
Of course, black crime will be blamed on the past following the theory that being poor creates criminals. An insult to the mass -- if not the majority -- of people in the world who are far poorer than blacks in SAt.
Culture, not poverty, create criminals. Perhaps there was good reason why whites in SA were so focused on keeping black culture separate from white culture. Is their any country in the world today that want's to accept black -- or Islamic -- culture?
So Mr Msimang needs to stop blaming everything on apartheid and consider that apartheid was a way of dealing with two cultures that were so far apart they could not mix. Not an ideal way, but given the times an understandable way.
And, "yes" the current black SA government has changed the system, yet not really made anything better. Wasn't it one of their elected -- by blacks -- president's that claimed HIV didn't exist or had some crazy cure?
And they would have admit that in the past, and present, whites had/have every reason to fear black criminals. They didn't put barbedwire around their houses because they made their houses look better. They also had to hire armed guards to try to keep safe. Still do.
Now that blacks are in charge, crimes by blacks continue. Clearly, crime by blacks is not a function of what race is in power -- nor the system.
Of course, black crime will be blamed on the past following the theory that being poor creates criminals. An insult to the mass -- if not the majority -- of people in the world who are far poorer than blacks in SAt.
Culture, not poverty, create criminals. Perhaps there was good reason why whites in SA were so focused on keeping black culture separate from white culture. Is their any country in the world today that want's to accept black -- or Islamic -- culture?
So Mr Msimang needs to stop blaming everything on apartheid and consider that apartheid was a way of dealing with two cultures that were so far apart they could not mix. Not an ideal way, but given the times an understandable way.
And, "yes" the current black SA government has changed the system, yet not really made anything better. Wasn't it one of their elected -- by blacks -- president's that claimed HIV didn't exist or had some crazy cure?
10
The article says nothing about the lamentable "leadership" of the ANC and its contribution to the current state of affairs. I get what Mr Msimang says about apologising for the past and being aware of its legacy and I even agree with him. But, everything will not magically come right should every white South African demonstrate such awareness. Whites do not really have that much power. The real liberation will come when government in South Africa (which will invariably be black) rules in an efficient, non - corrupt manner in the best interest of the majority of South Africans. That is not happening at the moment. Merely focussing on the defects of whites (who have no political influence) is almost guaranteed to lead to the devastation wreaked in Zimbabwe by an obsessive need to get one over on the small remaining white population. Most of the harm done by that attitude has had to be absorbed by the majority black Zimbabwean population whilst the ruling elite enriches itself and commits unspeakable atrocities against its own people.
14
Sisonke Msimang is a woman, and thus should be Mr. Msimang and her.
The problems in today's South Africa are largely not the fault of the "empty politics of reconciliation", but the absolute failure of 20 years of elected and appointed officials to actually lead the country. Yes, the structural effects of apartheid are still evident, but the government has squandered two decades of opportunities to improve the lot of the impoverished. The black population seems to be finally running out of patience. Although recent events like the removal of apartheid-era statues and attempts to salve the wounds of the past by meting out justice might be part of the process, a more equitable society will only be achieved by attacking the fundamentals of governing with equal fervour.
19
There is a trade-off between justice and stability made after every national transition: WW2 in Germany, perestroika in Russia, fall of apartheid in South Africa. Perfect justice is very costly, and its pursuit has own dangers - later historians call some of these periods "terrors". Mandela understood this very clearly, it seems. How much skilled white labor and capital flight the already-weak South African economy take? It's not an idealistic question, but a statesman has to ask it...
4
This makes me very sad. This year my students did a project on South Africa. Most of our sources painted a picture of the triumphant transformation of South Africa, the evolution of the Rainbow Nation. Only a few sources left us suspicious. For example the New York Time awhile back reported on a white South African family who decided to "slum it" for three weeks in a black neighborhood. My students sensed there was something very wrong with the picture - even 15 year olds noted the tone deafness of this white family. We will need another follow-up discussion. I think we were naive to think South Africa could have achieved what the US has not - to erase systemic racism. But I think we thought because it was an African nation the building blocks of of Apartheid could be more easily washed away than the foundations of segregation. Naive us.
3
Well, then, Mr Zaslavsky, why not look it up and inform yourself?
This article seems to suggest - rather strongly - that a culture of discrimination is not easily changed. Behaviors and attitiudes may change for a while - or at least appear to - and then suddenly snap back to the old ways. The underlying beliefs don't really change.
3
South Africa is beging to show the signs of a failed state. Repsect for the law, fear of retirbution for crimes, much less arrest or punishment is fading quickly. Soon the rule of the vigilante mob will prevail as it does in Argentina and other South American countries. Rampant crime is tearing the country apart, and most of the criminals are young, unemployed blacks. This is the unreported reality of South Africa.
13
Don't know where your information is coming from. Having spent several months in both South Africa and Argentina researching my book, Importing Democracy, based on 30 interviews in each country, I can only assume it is from a biased source. Yes, both countries have major problems, but they also have strong civil societies and considerable dedication to democratization. if Argentina and South Africa can be called flawed democracies, Tajikistan, the third country where I studied democratization NGOs, has a much steeper democratization path.
I was disturbed by the sentiments in this article. Mandela described hatred as a poison. You say that only half of white youth agreed with the statement you cited. While I agree this is less than ideal, 50% of white ppl did agree. In addition it is likely that many who did not, still considered apartheid abhorrent to varying degrees. At no point do you attempt to mitigate against the obvious risks inherent in your approach. The reality that South Africans need to accept (i would argue), is that white south africans will probably continue to hold significant economic power within the country for many years. They have within their experience of growing up and education advantages in succeeding in various careers over and above that of other black zimbabweans. Rebalancing that will take time. Trying to speed it up too much will simply hurt the whole population. You only have to look north to Zimbabwe to see that some measures which ostensibly empower the black population in fact lead to negative consequences. Time, proper economic governance, positive schemes, and a sophisticated understanding of the operation of modern economies is needed to empower and educate are what is needed. In addition what is needed is cool heads. It is possible in one reading of this to suggest that you wish to punish a generation of white south africans born after the injustices of apartheid, many of whom are kind, compassionate and not racist in the slightest.
9
Surely Mr. Msimang doesn't want South Africa to follow the Zimbabwe path of Robert Mugabe. Just what actions does he propose to take to achieve equality? Revenge is a dead end.
26
More than a little one-sided, but the title is right, the Rainbow Nation was never a Nation. As for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, that was a witch hunt by Desmond Tutu, How many anc people appeared before this inquisition?
4
A witch hunt by Desmond Tutu? What an absurd thing to say. You sound like the equivalent of one of our neoConfederates.
Am interesting and thought-provoking piece. However, the distinction between individual and collective guilt is unclear here. One can understand that forgiving racists and apartheid supporters who have committed heinous acts, particularly if they have not taken responsibility, may not be healthy for victims and society,, and may only magnify anger and frustration. However, what of whites who have never supported institutionalized racism or personally behaved in a racist fashion, many of whom were born after apartheid ended? I get the sense that some of the anger is directed at them. But should they be burdened by guilt? It's certainly troubling that only half of whites consider apartheid a crime against humanity. However, I suspect that many more of them would be much more willing to explore and discuss the legacy of apartheid, and to struggle against its continuing inequities, if they felt they would not be blamed for these policies. There is a parallel in the U.S. as we struggle with the legacy of slavery and with racism. People seek a "conversation on race," but too often the conversation seems to predominately involve projections of collective guilt. I can understand the anger, but it should be targeted against specific policies; general rage against a white America mostly born after the worst abuses occurred, is likely only to provoke a hardline, right-wing reaction, and get us nowhere.
8
Black South Africans have bigger problems to worry about than whether some martyr gets due recognition. Rape, violent crime and corruption are rampant. AIDS is ravaging the country. Someone should write an assessment of whether and in what respects Black SAs are better off after booting out the apartheid government and being ruled by people of the same color as the majority.
18
By no recognized measures are are they better off; in fact, just the opposite.
1
Instead of worrying about the idle thoughts and aspirations of white college students in South Africa Msimang ought to reflect on the terrible mess that the increasingly corrupt and autocratic ANC is inflicting on all the people of South Africa. Msimang ought to look to the Middle East to see where the politics of divisiveness leads. All in all this strikes me as some gesture of political hipsterism that will probably appeal to certain elements of the black intellectual elite in SA. The real problem is the corrupt clowns who are running the country, not white kids who, like most can't relate to a past they didn't live in.
39
While true that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission may not have yielded all of the desired results, one need but look at Zimbabwe for the results of hatred, reverse racism and feckless politicians hiding behind "restitution" as a foil for their rape of a country and betrayal of a people. South Africa offers hope in a world devoid of much hope; it offers a way forward that, all while imperfect, does not rely on bloodletting and destruction.
4
But what is the author's solution?
Yes, there no doubt remain ongoing racial disparities in the school, university, and workplace settings.
But nobody anywhere has a solution to those problems. We certainly haven't recently had apartheid or anything like it in the US, or in Canada, but the same racial disparities exist in these countries as in South Africa. Whatever the source of the problems, their solution goes far deeper than any easy policy fix -- or even any hard policy fix that we can think of.
So if we suppose the new, more radical, less forgiving forces represented by Hani comes to power, then what? What's the way forward, apart from blaming whites for the problem (a "solution" that has hardly worked wonders in the US or Canada)?
Yes, there no doubt remain ongoing racial disparities in the school, university, and workplace settings.
But nobody anywhere has a solution to those problems. We certainly haven't recently had apartheid or anything like it in the US, or in Canada, but the same racial disparities exist in these countries as in South Africa. Whatever the source of the problems, their solution goes far deeper than any easy policy fix -- or even any hard policy fix that we can think of.
So if we suppose the new, more radical, less forgiving forces represented by Hani comes to power, then what? What's the way forward, apart from blaming whites for the problem (a "solution" that has hardly worked wonders in the US or Canada)?
7
I have a concern that this does not further the cause of global humanness. We all make errors. The important thing is for us all to overcome tribalism and religious or genetic "specialness". Not an easy task. Does this article help?
4
Evil does not go away, it just changes its focus. Apartheid is gone, but rage and hatred of African refugees is alive and well. My friends the Congolese 20, even after being acquitted of charges made up by South African cops, after 2 years inside Pretoria Central Prison, are still being harassed by home affairs and told to go back to DRC Congo. Look no further than the open-air toilets in South Africa, and the filthy toilets preventing children from going to school and you know the problems in South Africa have not been fixed.
3
We ARE South Africans, even those of us who are NOT South Africans
ARE South Africans. Our bones quaked for decades and centuries in
tempo with the oppressed, we know even what we do not know because
we feel it.
There was a hope, ther is a hope, there is
The Cape of Good Hope.
ARE South Africans. Our bones quaked for decades and centuries in
tempo with the oppressed, we know even what we do not know because
we feel it.
There was a hope, ther is a hope, there is
The Cape of Good Hope.
Are the American black power political prisoners similar to Chris Hani, Nelson Mandela, and some other African nationalistic liberation heros in their belief in revolution as a necessary component of the freedom struggle for black/African peoples? Then how do we explain the contradiction in Obama hailing Nelson Mandela, and the Independence struggles of African countries, many of which involved "violence", yet condemning and mocking black Americans for alleged "violence" during the 1960s and 1970s, for adopting some of the same tactics of African revolutionaries fighting for their countries independence? Is it true that some of the problems facing African Americans exist today because their "revolution" was aborted and never carried through to fruition to the same extent as we saw in South Africa and across the continent in Africa? Is it true that although President Obama may represent the pride and joy of some civil rights leaders, such as John Lewis, and to them - the highest achievement of the civil rights movement, that he does not represent the outcome of revolutionary achievement for black Americans - whereby Black Americans would have otherwise been expected to have progressed on a whole host of life outcomes, social outcomes and the economic front?
Seems like the author is calling for vengeance rather than pushing for greater equality for blacks and remembering the injustice of the past. I can understand when white youth say they don't want to carry the responsibility for their forebears. Glad to see Mandela took a different route and put his trust in future generations. You only have to look at Zimbabwe and the killing of white farmers to see how it could have been much worse in RSA.
3
It sounds as if the writer would prefer that South Africa had traveled the path of neighbor Robert Mugabe. Whites like Helen Zille have stayed and given their lives to unity and justice. In general, as Stalin noted, refugees vote with their feet. Those who can leave, do. And yet many whites have stayed because democracy has not been perfect, but it gives hope.
4
Sisonke Msimang has a terrible ignorance of African history.
There is a long history in Africa, of newly independent countries being uncompromising with their white European-descended minority, achieving equal status by seizing their property, and that of other minorities like Indians, through indigenization programs. From the Congo, to Zimbabwe, to Uganda, to many other places, the result has always been the same, economic disaster, not least for the poor black majority that relied upon the businesses that were taken over and looted by members of the newly empowered black majority.
Fear of this very destruction delayed the end of apartheid, as fear of ruin caused the more reasonable part of the white population to refuse to break ranks from their more racist compatriots.
Those who advocate less compromising approaches to racial and ethnic differences must bear responsibility for the continuation of those differences. It is they, not the compromisers, who sustain the conflict.
There is a long history in Africa, of newly independent countries being uncompromising with their white European-descended minority, achieving equal status by seizing their property, and that of other minorities like Indians, through indigenization programs. From the Congo, to Zimbabwe, to Uganda, to many other places, the result has always been the same, economic disaster, not least for the poor black majority that relied upon the businesses that were taken over and looted by members of the newly empowered black majority.
Fear of this very destruction delayed the end of apartheid, as fear of ruin caused the more reasonable part of the white population to refuse to break ranks from their more racist compatriots.
Those who advocate less compromising approaches to racial and ethnic differences must bear responsibility for the continuation of those differences. It is they, not the compromisers, who sustain the conflict.
22
The near bloodless transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa was one of the greatest political achievements of recent history. This would not have been possible without Nelson Mandela, as every South African knows. To lament the murder of Chris Hani as a person who would have produced a better deal for South Africa is nonsense. Despite its imperfect present, South Africa is a true democracy on a slow but steady path to economic justice. To wish for acrimony now is to court disaster.
4
Why does it have to take so long? About 50 years ago I was one of a small handful of young people who picketed a Chase Manhattan bank branch to protest their investments in apartheid South Africa. Yes formal apartheid is gone but there is still so much injustice in South Africa, here in the U.S. and around the world. It's time for us to learn to work together to remodel our societies so they are just and positive. There's no doubt that we are moving in that direction. There is less poverty and violence overall in the world. Life expectancy is much longer. But it's time for us to grow up and take responsibility for our communities, our nations and our world. While many will mouth old cliches about human nature and lack of perfection in the world, these ideas amount to little more than weak excuses. A great deal is being done now to transform the world and individually and collectively we hold the power to do so much more.
2
It is disheartening to read this diatribe against the TRC and its goals by SISONKE MSIMANG. White people like me who were opposed to apartheid were happily surprised that its ending did not come in a blood bath as many had predicted (even in these pages). Mandela had been labelled a communist sympathizer (for his past) and his ascent to power along with transcendence of vindictiveness was not only a great relief but made possible the continued investment in South Africa that would allow for prosperity for all, blacks and whites. That that didn't happen and that poor blacks remain disadvantaged remains both at the root of Msimang's complaint and lies at the feet of the ruling black power group which has enriched itself but has not made life easier for the poor, thus fulfilling the prophecy of George well's last lines in Animal Farm. Exactly how vengeance for white wrong-doing would have helped poor blacks is nowhere evident in this op-ed. What is sad for me as an American white man is this piece says my hope that a TRC commission regarding torture and other crimes of the Bush administration (resisted by Holder and Obama) would not make any particle of difference here to heal our national divide.
2
Given the history of Apartheid, I believe that the T.R.C. was a necessary step to a form of democracy and the end of a terrible regime. But this has not ended social injustice in South Africa. Ending social injustice is by no means easily accomplished. just look at the news, here in the USA, it’s still alive and well and especially when it comes to African Americans.
I do agree that the time has come for "acrimonious and robust disharmony”, provided, as you very well said: "Democracy has taught us that raised voices don’t have to lead to war”.
My respects to both Mr. Hani and Mr. Mandela. They both strived for social justice in their own way.
I do agree that the time has come for "acrimonious and robust disharmony”, provided, as you very well said: "Democracy has taught us that raised voices don’t have to lead to war”.
My respects to both Mr. Hani and Mr. Mandela. They both strived for social justice in their own way.
1
Ms. Msimang is correct on many scores, including that what needs to happen "may not feel good, or even comfortable".
As another strong voice has pointed out - "If you're in a coalition and you're comfortable, you know it's not a broad enough coalition."
We have a lot of work to do, it's best we get at it and get uncomfortable if that is what it takes.
As another strong voice has pointed out - "If you're in a coalition and you're comfortable, you know it's not a broad enough coalition."
We have a lot of work to do, it's best we get at it and get uncomfortable if that is what it takes.
1
The ideas of Mr. Hani seem very different to those of his mentor, Nelson Mandela. In the article it says the he author believes Mr. Hani would have become president, and considering the level of fame Mr. Mandela achieved as president of South Africa, especially for his policies of forgiveness, I wonder how the world would have viewed Mr. Hani and his less forgiving policies.
1
It's hard not to see the similarity of the race problems in your nation South Africa and our United States.
Many felt biracial Barack Obama should address the simmering hatred against our black brothers and sisters..bring racism and reparations out into the public square. His few attempts have been met with outrage by the white community. Obama decried the arrest of professor Gates who was simply trying to get into his own home...which ended up in a ridiculous "beer summit." Obama comments on Trayvon Martin "If I had a son he would look like Trayvon." Again white America erupted in anger that Obama is making this about race! The Supreme Court throws out an incredibly important part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 stating that racism doesn't exist anymore...BUT Congress can re-write the law if they want to....knowing full well that the 113th congress and now the 114th congress are the most dysfunctional legislative bodies in our history.
You felt that Mr. Hani would have made a better more forceful president who would have done more for black South Africans than the pacifist Mandela.
Who knows...maybe more blacks would have been killed? to what end?
There is something so primitive, so embedded in some people's hearts and souls that accepting blacks as equals will just never happen..whether it be in Soweto or in Ferguson, MO. Perhaps our brains haven't evolved enough to allow the thinking portion, our cerebral cortices, to smother our reptilian primitive brain.
Many felt biracial Barack Obama should address the simmering hatred against our black brothers and sisters..bring racism and reparations out into the public square. His few attempts have been met with outrage by the white community. Obama decried the arrest of professor Gates who was simply trying to get into his own home...which ended up in a ridiculous "beer summit." Obama comments on Trayvon Martin "If I had a son he would look like Trayvon." Again white America erupted in anger that Obama is making this about race! The Supreme Court throws out an incredibly important part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 stating that racism doesn't exist anymore...BUT Congress can re-write the law if they want to....knowing full well that the 113th congress and now the 114th congress are the most dysfunctional legislative bodies in our history.
You felt that Mr. Hani would have made a better more forceful president who would have done more for black South Africans than the pacifist Mandela.
Who knows...maybe more blacks would have been killed? to what end?
There is something so primitive, so embedded in some people's hearts and souls that accepting blacks as equals will just never happen..whether it be in Soweto or in Ferguson, MO. Perhaps our brains haven't evolved enough to allow the thinking portion, our cerebral cortices, to smother our reptilian primitive brain.
18
Thank you, SISONKE MSIMANG, for a very interesting article that rings relevant far beyond South Africa. While a few have shown results, many of these Peace and Reconciliation Commissions seem to have become the stock go-to elixir that is expected to erase decades of horror and injustice and put everything right in a fractured society. But how does a PRC truly reach the millions who have been personally wounded and traumatized by unconscionable acts? And how does a short-term project address an imbedded, insidious poison like racism? It seems these TRC offer a pass for those who should be wrestling with conscience and nothing much for those who have endured blanket oppression, over so many decades.
3
The article leaves me wondering what made Chris Hani important. Nothing in it tells me. Remember, Mr. Msimang, we are not South Africans and we don't know detailed political history.
27
Draw your own conslusions:
http://www.sacp.org.za/main.php?ID=2294
http://www.sacp.org.za/main.php?ID=2294
2
Sisonke Msimang is Ms. Msimang and not "Mr."
2
You are right. The article seems to be written for South African audience only. However, I happened to be in South Africa when Mr. Hani was assassinated, it DID make a huge impact on vast majority of South Africans.
BTW Mr. Hani was the Secretary General of South African Communist Party, and also heir-apparent to Mr. Nelson Mandela.
That made all the difference.
BTW Mr. Hani was the Secretary General of South African Communist Party, and also heir-apparent to Mr. Nelson Mandela.
That made all the difference.
3