A Nation in Transition
Almost a week after the program has ended, I find myself fortunate enough to still be in South Africa. Writing under the stars, to the sounds of crickets and amongst a beautiful forest and nature preserve in Wilderness South Africa, I am reminded of today’s state of the nation address by Jacob Zuma. Having listened to Zuma’s address in its entirety I am reminded of the process of reconciliation and the many things that we discussed while together as a class. Zuma outlined a fairly optimistic view on the current state of the nation and showcased what he plans to do for the future of South Africa. Speaking in several different languages—Zulu, Afrikaans, English as well as other languages that I cannot recall at the time—Zuma exemplified a united yet diverse South Africa.
After reflecting on the many experiences of the trip, I continue to understand how reconciliation is a key principle and act in the process of bringing together two past and often fierce conflicts. I continue to critique reconciliation under the terms that it does not seem to address structural violence and the injustices often continue a conflict or can create a new one. I believe that if reconciliation is to be looked from a long-term perspective then the topics of injustice and inequality must be brought to the table. Driving through many towns in the Western Cape as well as the Eastern Cape I am struck by the complete segregation that continues to take place. Nice restaurants are filled with Afrikaan speaking whites, beautiful homes are owned by Afrikaans speaking whites, and townships continue to appear in every single town—as small as it may be—that I pass. The reality of injustice and inequality that is rampant not only in this country but in the entirety of the world, makes me question whether reconciliation acts on a superficial level for macro-level conflicts or whether it can truly reach an individual that continues to receive poor education, lack of opportunities and a constant showcase of white social and economic superiority.
Not to depart on a negative tone but I believe that it is essential to critique how far one has come from a time of apartheid and severe oppression, to a system that is still exposed to the structural violence of inequalities. I do believe that this country has come a far way from how it used to be governed and how people lived there daily lives and I am filled with a sense of hope after hearing Zuma address his country. Better education, better healthcare, better housing, steps towards eliminating unemployment and poverty. Zuma recognizes the beauty of a free and democratic South Africa where people are one in the same and continues to hold grasp to the importance of addressing inequalities. It is my hope that reconciliation has live in the hearts of all people and can further inspire others to works towards a more equitable and un-segregated South Africa.
