This post was taken from my Facebook Notebook. Read it and its comments here. The original date of publication was 10:55am Friday, Mar 30.
South Africa’s democracy is new: it is only in its second decade of existence.
The country is still in the phase of trying to create a set image and perception that the international community may refer to, in hopes of seeing us as more than just “the place where apartheid happened”.
Indeed, our history is remarkable in the sense that we avoided a major revolution and (relatively) peacefully ended apartheid. The government now hopes to “do an America”: they hope to create a sense of nation-hood, fraternity, utilitarianism and patriotism in the same sense that the United States has done so for themselves. Not that what the States has is a good thing.
However, while South Africa has huge potential, the strategy and condition of both the ANC and the country is highly disturbing. Our health minister suggests to the entire international community that we should fight HIV/AIDS with African potatoes and garlic (read the articles here.); the ex-deputy president is shrouded by suspicion after his trials for corruption and rape (during which he stated taking a shower after sex will prevent the spread of HIV); the security minister announced that those who complain about South Africa should just leave; and our president supports countries that the rest of the international community are boycotting.
Recently it was bought to public attention that South Africa is the main destination for human trafficking – neo slavery. Add to this mix a crime rate that is second highest in the world, a rape rate in KZN alone that is highest in the world, corruption and a massive drug market and you have something to be exceptionally proud of.
No one is unaffected by crime. I know people who have been murdered and hijacked and raped. I’m familiar with home intrusions and theft. I know what it’s like to be afraid for your female friends – and that’s just when they want to go to the bathroom in a public place. These notions may seem silly and absurd to an outsider, but they are very real to those of us experiencing it on a day to day basis.
Those “proudly South African” people go on about the wonderful climate, the huge potential, the friendly people, the laid back attitude. Fair, all of these are true – but it’s time for a reality check: the negatives of the situation far outweigh the positives.
Of course I may sound like a cynical, apathetic citizen. However, it becomes difficult to be positive and supportive when the government repeatedly denies and ignores that which is blatantly obvious. The present administration is implementing policies such as AA and BEE to “correct the injustices of the past”.
Fair, past injustices do need to be corrected. However, the current implementation of these strategies impacts on the young, new generation. We were barely alive and conscious during apartheid. We had nothing to do with the injustices of the past. Although the government may not intentionally be “punishing” us, we are certainly suffering in the long run. What employment opportunities do I have? What motivation do I have to succeed? Why should I, as much a South African by birth as the next person, be inspired by the present atmosphere of rising patriotism?
No country is perfect - everywhere has its problems. But South Africa has more than its fair share, and many of these could be solved if effective strategies were thought out and implemented. The Education policy, the Budget allocations, the crime prevention stratagem – the country would be a first world, top notch dream destination (in comparison to the now) if such issues were actually DEALT with, and not just talked about.
I for one cannot wait to emigrate, and I’m well on the road of convincing my family to join me. If we do so, the state is losing another two brilliant educators in the process. But that’s the price that has to be paid for a government that focuses more on its defense force than it does on the needs of its citizens.
I have no roots or heritage here - I don’t feel connected in any way to those around me. I can’t complain in public though - a white South African who complains is racist. Everyone knows that; it’s as common knowledge as 1+1=3.
But then again, we made Africa suffer during colonialism and apartheid, and we rob the country of its potential. It’s only right that we suffer.
Entries (RSS)
October 29th, 2008 at 3:11 am
Keep up the good work.