At the end of the Second World War there was a buzz of liberation around the world. Starting with India, many colonies began to rebel against their external dictator and independence was won in many parts of the world.
Along with the liberation came joy, hope and excitement. Liberation leaders promised freedom, liberty and prosperity and ensured a new life for all. These dreams quickly evaporated and all the promises rang hollow. The independence movements became characterised by one of two things; leaders holding on to power until their death, or leaders fighting for power leading to huge amounts of death.
Yesterday we South Africans celebrated 16 years since our first democratic elections and I continue to marvel at how we have broken the mould. Whether we like to admit it or not white people did not want to relinquish their political hold of South Africa. However, when they lost in an election they faded into the night with minimal violence. Mandela then broke another mould by stating he would only stay for one term and then he stuck by it. When Mandela was asked to choose his succesor he suggested Cyril Ramaphosa. Thabo Mbeki had other ideas and wrangled his way into power and 9 years of virtual opposition-free leadership of Mzanzi. Despite Mandela's disagreement with Thabo Mbeki as President we continued a violence-free transition of power.
In a dramatic turn of events in 2008 Mbeki was booted out and Kgalema Motlanthe placed as interim leader. The third unwanted change of leadership and still no bloodshed. However, many were worried that Motlanthe would fight to keep the power that was suddenly thrust upon him. These fears proved unfounded and Jacob Zuma became the Fourth President of the New South Africa. Many people in our country disagree with Zuma, his life-style and his leadership but again we have had no bloodshed. Time after time we have proved that South African's are different and that we will not fall into the trap of other liberation movements.
As we celebrate our Freedom let us also take time to thank the leaders -both past and present- for creating the South Africa that we live in today and marvel at how truly different we are.
So true. We get so caught up in all the bad things and don't realise that things have had the potential to be so much worse. South Africa is special, I keep saying it and will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteHowever,I have a feeling that this public holiday, for most was just a good excuse to not be at work, school, college,varsity etc. Very few recognise what we should be celebrating on this holiday. I think there should be celebrations on the streets for such a miracle that could not have happened but did...maybe one day we will realise how lucky we are
Hey Lance
ReplyDeleteNice article, very true. One point I disagree on is "Whether we like to admit it or not white people did not want to relinquish their political hold of South Africa."
We had a referendum of white people in 1990 (I think), and the overwhelming majority agreed to continue the changes De Klerk was proposing which would ultimately lead to an ANC government. 70% I think it was. Anyway, just a small point, but a decision worth celebrating.