Ramaphosa on reconciliation: ‘Racism no longer defines our nation’

In commemoration of Reconciliation Day, President Cyril Ramaphosa has lamented South Africa’s successes and failures in search of prosperity, unity and empathy in his weekly report.

While Ramaphosa admitted that there was still work to be done – and collaborative effort required from both government and the country’s citizens – the president noted that huge strides had been made since the dawn of democracy in 1994.

Reconciliation Day, honoured annually on 16 December, notes the occurrence of two pivotal moments in South Africa’s history – events which, as pointed out by Ramaphosa in 2019, exemplify the country’s tumultuous history of conflict and resistance.

The foundations of Reconciliation Day

The first dates back to the battle in 1838, when the Voortrekkers, led by Andries Pretorius, defeated the mighty Zulu under the command of King Dingane. This encounter, referred to as the Battle of Blood River which took place on the banks of the Ncome River, is regarded as a turning point in South Africa’s history – the Voortrekkers’ resounding victory providing the Afrikaner nation with the confidence to channel self-determination.

The second event, the founding of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) in 1961, signified a particularly turbulent time in South Africa’s recent history when the oppressive apartheid regime was directly opposed with armed struggle. MK, which, as the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), was classed as a terrorist organisation by the apartheid government, provided the single greatest resistance to oppressive rule, embarking on almost three decades of militarised combat.

Ramaphosa praises unity on 16 December

In contrast to events which birthed Reconciliation Day, in his report on Monday morning, Ramaphosa pointed to recent occurrences which unified South Africans in spite of the nation’s many, sometimes painful, differences. Ramaphosa said:

“As we take stock of how far we have come in healing the divisions of the past and building a united nation, we have much to be proud of.

“One need only observe the outpouring of joy when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup in Japan and when our Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe. South Africans of all races took to the streets in an outpouring of national pride.”

Ramaphosa explained that, in stark contrast to the past, South Africa’s fabric was no longer defined by racism. The president elaborated, adding that while South Africa had improved, much more was still to be done:

“Racism and bigotry no longer define our nation. Where they do occur, they are isolated. Where there have been manifestations of intolerance, we have been able to unite behind the values of tolerance and respect for diversity that define our Bill of Rights.

“Yet, we still have much further to go.”

Corruption still a stumbling block, says Ramaphosa

The president confirmed that South Africa’s problems were multifaceted, pointing to scars left by the legacy of apartheid, namely gross inequality and disproportionate economic opportunities skewed away from the majority. Ramaphosa also pointed to the following setbacks which have hampered the spirit of reconciliation:

• Corruption;
• Politics based on division;
• Gender-based violence; and
• Lack of transformation.

Ramaphosa added that the fight for a democratic society and healing the wounds left by apartheid remained a priority, saying:

“We must address the unfinished business of our democratic transition. We must close the festering wound of inequality that exists between our people. We must forge ahead with land reform and social development. We must continue to transform our workplaces and restructure our economy so it benefits all.

“In this sense, reconciliation is a very practical undertaking.”

The president, who is expected to lead a Reconciliation Day address in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday afternoon, ended his report by urging South Africans to be more empathetic and caring:

“Let us make a concerted effort to move forward together, focusing on what unites us instead of what divides.

“Let us reach out to each other on this day, during this Reconciliation Month, and throughout the year.”