At its core, the “Make South Africa Great Again” movement represents a toxic nostalgia and malicious yearning for a bygone era, an era unequivocally defined by racial segregation, systemic oppression, and the brutal denial of fundamental human rights to the majority of the population.
By Themba Khumalo
The political landscape is often a turbulent sea, with waves of ideologies crashing against the shores of public opinion.
However, some currents are more treacherous than others, carrying the debris of outdated and harmful beliefs. One such current, a very disturbing madness from apartheid relics, is the “Make South Africa Great Again” movement.
While seemingly innocuous on the surface, a closer examination reveals an intensely problematic yearning for a past that was built on injustice, oppression, and the systematic dehumanization of a significant portion of the population; BLACK!
This movement, however small its following may be, represents a dangerous regression, a nostalgic longing for a time when a privileged white minority thrived at the expense of the majority. Ignoring it would be a disservice to the sacrifices made by countless individuals who fought tirelessly for the freedom and equality South Africa strives to embody today.
It is a slap in the face to the lived experiences of black people, who continue to grapple with the legacy of apartheid and its enduring impact on their lives.
The allure of “making South Africa great again” lies in a romanticized image of the past, one that conveniently erases the brutal realities of racial segregation and systemic discrimination. It conjures up images of economic prosperity and social order, but at what cost?
This so-called “greatness” was built on the backs of black labourers, denied all human rights, and subjected to a system designed to keep them subservient.
To long for a return to that period is to implicitly endorse the very principles of inequality and oppression that fueled apartheid.
The danger of this movement lies not only in its historical revisionism but also in its potential to stoke racial tensions and undermine the slow progress we are making towards reconciliation and social cohesion. By invoking a past steeped in racial division, it risks reigniting old prejudices and creating new fault lines in a society already grappling with deep-seated inequalities.
Imagine the message this sends to black South Africans, particularly those who have grown up in a post-apartheid era. They are being told, implicitly or explicitly, that the “good old days” were the days when their parents and grandparents were not worthy of human rights. They are being asked to embrace a vision of greatness that excludes them – a vision that relegates them to second-class citizens.
Furthermore, the “Make South Africa Great Again” movement deliberately ignores the complex realities of the present. South Africa faces significant challenges, including poverty, inequality, and unemployment. These problems are not new but are inextricably linked to the legacy of apartheid, and addressing them requires a multifaceted approach focusing on economic empowerment, social justice, and inclusive growth.
Nostalgic fantasies about the past offer no viable solutions to the country’s pressing issues.
Instead of romanticizing a bygone era, these racist dimwits must switch off their prejudices and hatred and become part of the process of building a truly great South Africa – one that is inclusive, just and equitable for all its citizens.
This process requires acknowledging the painful truths of our past, confronting the deep-seated inequalities that persist today, and working together to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
There are valid criticisms against the government about the current state of affairs, and it is critically important to engage in constructive dialogue about the country’s challenges. However, this dialogue must be grounded in a commitment to justice, equality, and the principles of democracy. It can’t be about pining for a past that was rotten to the core and steeped in injustice.
The future of South Africa depends on our ability to transcend the racial divisions of the past and build a society worthy of its people. This demands rejecting the dangerous fantasy of “making South Africa great again” and embracing a vision of a truly inclusive and equitable future for all.
It requires confronting the uncomfortable truths of our history and working together to create a society where the mistakes of the brutal past never see the light of day. Only then can we genuinely claim to be building a GREAT nation.
Let me emphasise that the fight against racism and inequality is not a relic of the past; it is a present-day imperative that demands our unwavering commitment.
We cannot afford to be complacent while a privileged racist minority attempts to rewrite history and undermine the hard-won gains. The future of South Africa depends on it.