'94 was Misunderstood
Did we truly understand the vision of the founding father's of South Africa
How we have expressed ideas, opinions, and facts over the years has defined South African history. From the sharing of African stories by word of mouth around a fire to the sharing of journalism, through the rest of the world, about the failure of the state. As a country, we have valued our freedom of expression and the ability to express oneself. However, even though we have been able to express ourselves, there has been a limitation to how we are represented. Whether it be the denial of people of color to represent themselves in government during Apartheid or the youth being underrepresented in our 'new' democratic country. It would be only fitting to believe the winds of change are once again in South Africa, this time it would be led by the youth.
2024 brings a lot of uncertainty, for many South Africans. Recent NSFAS budget cuts, an election, and the potential for large student demonstrations. It is evident that stakes are high for all South Africans. Rise Mzansi characterizes '2024 is our 1994', there is a lot of introspection we all have to do as South African as we make decisions that will impact our country for the years to come. 30 years after democracy the ideals of a rainbow nation and unified country seem to be further than ever before we have to ask ourselves what does it truly mean to be South African. More importantly, ask ourselves if we truly understood the visions of the people who took rule in 1994.
This is where I, Khumo Kumalo, hope to interrogate that question. Analyzing the similarities and differences that led to one of the most important events in the history of South Africa. But then the question is who I am. I am simply a South African, who is interested in history and politics for my background was filled with people who dedicated their lives to the liberation of South Africa. However, that is not what should provide my credibility because this is not the assertion of one opinion, this is my hope to give insight into various opinions shared by politicians, students, citizens, and everyone who makes South Africa. This is a place where I hope to give a bit more specificity to the many issues we brush over and do not discuss because they are too mainstream. This is the start of a new endeavor called ‘94 was Misunderstood’.
The aim of the project is to unpack South Africa. The history that has brought us to our 6th election. The people who we have not heard of and the people who have been in the limelight. Additionally, it discusses our future, what we want the idea of being a South African to be and how we start on that path. In this hope not only to share my own opinions but additionally share the opinions of all South Africans so we can shed light on where the problems may be and where the solutions can be found. This is a different way of bringing life back to South Africa and further understanding a country that is filled with a variety of complexities from xenophobia, racism, and political ideologies. This is only the beginning of the journey with the end being unknown.
I do hope to share insights that are thought-provoking, that challenge many of our core beliefs. South Africa has gone through many transformations. I hope you can join in this journey where we can all aid in building a South Africa we are proud of. There have been so many moments to celebrate, from the Springboks winning the World Cup, Tyla winning a Grammy, and Bafana Bafana placing 3rd in AFCON. However, these moments seem to be few and far in between. This is not to say that we are hopeless as a country but this is to say we need to understand what drives us to be hopeful, what drives to be united, and what makes us South African.
As the Springbok journeyed to beat the All-Black in the final for the Webb Ellis Cup, their motto was “Stronger together”. For many, that was true momentarily as we rallied behind the Springboks and so the rainbow nation realized. However, as Winnie Mandela states,
“We talk of a rainbow nation - in a country that remains dichotomized between black and white. We must acknowledge that the rainbow, in fact, is still a dream.”
We have to ask ourselves if this dream will ever become a reality.