Thought it best that we explain some fundamentals we have discovered since living in South Africa. Race and citizenship are both complex concepts in South Africa. Apartheid (Africaans for separatedness) created race as a mechanism for violence. Race was the social and psychological reality through which repression and violence functioned. South Africans saw the world in 'black' and 'white' terms.
Hence, race is divided and classified firstly based on colour: black, white & coloureds.
As an Australian, it is obviously politically incorrect to describe or classify a person based on their skin colour. However, in South Africa, the skin colour of a person is deemed a fact, and therefore deemed an appropriate way to describe a person and their identity.
During Nelson Mandela's leadership (1994-1999), a new vocabulary was introduced speaking of nationhood, unity, racial harmony and reconciliation. South Africa was described as a 'rainbow nation'. Any reference to race was deemed delicate and sensitive. Mandela attempted to give South Africans a new language about speaking or describing each other. But, at the same time, this rendered the consequences of race invisible. There was little recognition that race continues to shape interactions and identities.
Mbeki took over leadership in 1999 (ongoing) and his reign has been characterised by a 'return to race'. Therefore, all South African's now describe race based on colour- black, white or coloured.
During Mandela's leadership he had to stress forgiveness and underplay racial issues in order to consolidate a peaceful (and at times precarious) transition. In contrast, Mbeki has had to deal with economic inequality from past racial practices.
If we refer to blacks, whites or coloureds in this blog please do not think that we are being racist or politically incorrect. It is simply a terminology to describe a race that is prolifically used and accepted in South Africa.
Hence, race is divided and classified firstly based on colour: black, white & coloureds.
As an Australian, it is obviously politically incorrect to describe or classify a person based on their skin colour. However, in South Africa, the skin colour of a person is deemed a fact, and therefore deemed an appropriate way to describe a person and their identity.
During Nelson Mandela's leadership (1994-1999), a new vocabulary was introduced speaking of nationhood, unity, racial harmony and reconciliation. South Africa was described as a 'rainbow nation'. Any reference to race was deemed delicate and sensitive. Mandela attempted to give South Africans a new language about speaking or describing each other. But, at the same time, this rendered the consequences of race invisible. There was little recognition that race continues to shape interactions and identities.
Mbeki took over leadership in 1999 (ongoing) and his reign has been characterised by a 'return to race'. Therefore, all South African's now describe race based on colour- black, white or coloured.
During Mandela's leadership he had to stress forgiveness and underplay racial issues in order to consolidate a peaceful (and at times precarious) transition. In contrast, Mbeki has had to deal with economic inequality from past racial practices.
If we refer to blacks, whites or coloureds in this blog please do not think that we are being racist or politically incorrect. It is simply a terminology to describe a race that is prolifically used and accepted in South Africa.