The Pendulum Swings | #MyFridayStory No. 357

South Africa is a young democracy. Thirty years, while significant in human terms, is a mere blip in a nation's lifespan. For a country emerging from the shadow of apartheid and colonialism, three decades was supposed to mark the dawn of freedom for millions. Yet, the promise of democracy has felt hollow for too many.

We hold the title of the most unequal society in the world—a sobering distinction that underscores three decades of treading water. When the opportunity arose in 1994 for the newly elected government to solidify relationships across racial divides, it was not seized. Instead of forging unity in the nascent Rainbow Nation, we have seen a disheartening entrenchment of inequality.

Cadre deployment became yet another vehicle of discrimination. While designed to redress past wrongs, it often fostered entitlement, concentrating power among an elite few. Corruption seeped into the fabric of governance, turning once-trusted institutions into hollow shells. The police force, for instance, has been all but captured by criminal syndicates and the underworld. Borders left open and unscreened invited not just opportunity but exploitation from our neighbours, enabling transnational crime to take root and thrive.

I say with conviction: South Africa is a gangster state.

What prevents complete anarchy is the goodness of Mzansi’s people—a nation that, at its heart, seeks to be good, kind, and generous.

I think back to when my children were young, around five or six years old. On holidays at the seaside, I would point out the police officers patrolling the beach. I’d explain, “If you get lost or something bad happens, run to those people in blue for help.”

Fast forward to today. My Grandson is six. But when asked if I would give him the same advice, my response is starkly different: “No way!” The sentiment is echoed by everyone I share this with. Instead of safety, many now see the police – both SAPS and the Metro Police - as a potential threat, a chilling indictment of where we stand.

Without a trustworthy law enforcement system, we cannot progress. The absence of security undermines every attempt to build a better future.

As we grapple with this reality, crowds like the EFF and the MK Party emerge with agendas that mirror the failures of the past—hollowing out state institutions in the name of transformation but ultimately perpetuating the cycle of exploitation.

Yet, I remain hopeful. Our nation holds incredible potential in its diversity, unique makeup and shared history.

Heritage Day on 24 September reminds us of the richness of our cultures, each carrying stories waiting to be told. The traditional dress, textiles, and ceremonies of the Xhosa, Sotho, Zulu, Tswana and others hold profound wisdom and beauty. There is much we can learn from these elders—about living harmoniously with nature, valuing spirituality, and being stewards of the Earth.

But as we celebrate these cultures, we must also confront the darker truths of our past. My Afrikaner heritage, for example, has its place in South Africa’s story, but it is not the only story, and much of it is deeply flawed. My parents passed down values rooted in superiority and arrogance—ideals I reject.

I think of my older brother, a Dutch Reformed minister who walked away from the ministry when he could no longer reconcile its backward principles with his faith. Even today, the church grapples with outdated views, clinging to discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and others, just as it justified racial inequities.

So, where do we go from here?

The pendulum is swinging back, slowly but surely. It must settle in the centre, where the gap between the haves and the have-nots narrows, and every citizen of this nation is valued.

The question I leave with you is this:

What can you do to help the pendulum come to rest in the middle?

For me, it begins with rejecting the lies of division and embracing the truth that South Africa’s strength lies in its people—all its people. It is only together, that we can reclaim our country, weaving a new story of unity, equality, justice, and hope.

Have a great weekend and remember to be generous! 😄

As always, thanks for reading. 🙏

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