Thoughts on Apartheid and Change

I can't help but think about the Apartheid system as I am in South Africa. As a college student, I was part of a student group called "Students United Against Apartheid." That was the cause for many internationally-minded young folks of my era. So I had read a lot about it, had written a couple papers on it, and continued to follow developments in South Africa through the next decade until the system was given a much-needed burial. So it is interesting being here nearly 20 years after its end and learning a bit about the aftermath.

Unfortunately, as with any injustice or conflict, the legacy of it extends far into the future. Certainly we in the USA understand that, as do most cultures of the world. Yesterday I had the chance to ask a older gentleman named Tony about his experience. He is Coloured. (Lest anyone think I've lapsed into racist language, that is a formal, acceptable designation for people of mixed race. Fortunately it no longer has legal ramifications as it did in the past, although with some aggressive affirmative action policies in place, categorizing still makes a difference here). His experience has been interesting. Under Apartheid, Coloureds did not receive as harsh treatment and restrictions as Blacks. In fact, when I asked him how most Coloureds felt about the closing of Apartheid, he said it was about 50-50. Many were nervous about what their status would be under Black leadership. Would they find themselves again outside of the "favored race?"

He is very matter-of-fact about the situation. There still are enormous disparities in the country. As the post-Apartheid generation moves into adulthood, it will be interesting to see how much the economic disparities remain connected to race. I also can't help but have a deep appreciation for the first non-White president, Nelson Mandella. When I think of the disparity and injustice, he very easily could have ridden a wave of popularity and anger and done to South Africa what has been done in Zimbabwe. But he came in with reconciliation as his platform, and while there are still huge challenges, thankfully there wasn't the level of violence that was certainly possible.

Anyhow, nothing earth-shattering, but just an interesting place to be since this place and the issues here gripped so much of my attention as a student 30+ years ago.