A world without Madiba?

Will we wake up tomorrow to a world without Nelson Mandela? I believe this question is echoed by many, not only back home but also here in the USA and in the rest of the world. I feel honoured to be associated with this great man through my nationality. The last few days I have been writing notes on the metro into the city about my next blog, and the subject of nationality and identity often surfaced.

I am a young South African. My ancestry, going back to my great grandparents, is 1/8^th German, 2/8^ths Irish, and 5/8^ths Afrikaner. What it means to be a white South African, and particularly one that speaks Afrikaans as her mother tongue, is something most of the Americans I have interacted with here, have asked me. My usual response is that I am an African; that I am proud to be from South Africa, and that yes, I do wish to live on the continent for most of my life. Yet I feel I could elaborate on my identity somewhat. This past week I have read some essays by “young white Afrikaners”. I disagree with some of them and thought it best to add my 2 cents to the discussion, albeit for a different audience. I feel there is a need to diversify the voice of the modern Afrikaner.

I grew up in a family that encouraged questions and a curious nature. This meant I read quite a bit and spent hours talking, debating and listening to stories from anyone who’d tolerate me. I was never taught to disregard my culture or feel inferior based on government policies. A number of years ago I paged through a Dorling Kindersley book on cultures of the world. Upon finding the entry on the Afrikaners, the description did not match anyone I knew. Those I identify as my community, those in my micro system according to the Bronfenbrenner ecosystemic approach, those people that have shaped me, they were not Afrikaners by the DK definition. The Afrikaners close to me are not per definition nationalist and Calvinist above all else.

I believe it was Madiba that said once that everyone lost in apartheid. People did not know their countrymen and women. Our population lived in silos. In my experience, bridging the divides of the past is not always an easy task. Acknowledging the differences is an essential part of building new ways of interacting. In the SAWIP team there are many differences. I think it is important to be aware of them and to be open to what that means. Another part of that should include honouring those who have fought for our freedom. Not just the freedom of the millions of people who were excluded through legislation and at the hand of the police. I, the young, white Afrikaans-speaking South African, am also free today due to their efforts. And some of these fighters are and were Afrikaners.

If tomorrow were the day that marks the start of a world without Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, I am not disheartened by what it means for my identity. I am not concerned about continuing to enjoy my life in South Africa. I will mourn him as the father of my nation, whilst still being energised by the potential that will continue to live on. I believe that I form part of a culture that transcends the colour of our skin and tongue we speak to our grandmothers, that culture is marked by the intent to make a difference, to continue fighting for freedom, to have compassion and be open to hear one another’s stories. In the words of Madiba: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”. I take up this challenge and I hope to be defined by these words.