Our students read the autobiography of a black South African living in a township during the 1980s over the Christmas break. Many important questions came out of their reading such as: how could the majority of white South Africans ignore the horror that was around them, where/how do people learn to hate and are there similar situations currently going on that the global community is choosing to ignore? Students were also struck by the tremendous perseverance shown by the people of this country. This week we travelled to the Voortrekker Monument, which commemorates the history/struggles of the Afrikaaner people and to Freedom Park, which is created to remember and honour the people who gave their lives to create a harmonious country. The president can view both of these places from the parliament building and they symbolically remind him of how both histories are the truth of the Rainbow Nation (the slogan of the new South Africa) and that he must continue to guide the country towards a unity that recognizes the history of all people. Throughout our time here we must also strive to open our hearts to everyone’s story and respond in ways that are filled with grace.
The concepts of justice, fairness and truth seem a lot clearer in books then in the lives of people. When you met people and hear stories, these concepts become increasingly muddled. It is easy to see areas that still need improvement, for example schools and neighbourhoods are still largely segregated. The challenge is to look for the growth and see the hope. There has been tremendous movement and change, public places are now integrated and people are allowed to live where they choose. Equity is now built into legislation and people are slowly changing their beliefs and actions. However, change is hard and although much of the new legislation is excellent, the social structures still need time to be able to make them a reality. For example, many people do not have the education and training needed to fill the jobs created by affirmative action legislation. People of colour are getting high ranking jobs but are at risk of making poor decisions because they do not the background needed to make informed decisions. As I seek to understand the Afrikaaner perspective, I try to imagine how our country would be affected if the first nations people became the ruling party.
I agree with one of our speakers, that the relatively peaceful transition out of Apartheid is a miracle and as we continue to live and learn in South Africa we are blessed to learn from people who had enough faith to act with forgiveness and grace and to strive for truth.
Written and submitted by Tessa Callan, Site Three Leader
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