Experiences of a Foreigner in 1980s South Africa: A Recollection of Tensions and Hope
The 1980s in South Africa was a complex and tumultuous period, marked by economic prosperity juxtaposed against the harsh realities of apartheid. Growing up in this era, I witnessed firsthand the contradictions and eventual decline of a society under immense pressure. This recollection aims to shed light on the era's complexities, including the economic success, underlying tensions, and the cultural resistance that led to significant changes.
Prosperity and Economic Success
On a superficial level, life in 1980s South Africa seemed prosperous. People were employed, the infrastructure was relatively well-developed, and services like electricity and roads worked flawlessly. Even the national airline, South African Airways, was thriving, reflecting the country's economic vibrancy. In those days, South Africa was almost a net lender, a testament to its financial health. Yet, this prosperity coexisted with profound inequality and systemic oppression.
Security and Tensions
Although it was generally safe and tensions were low, an uneasy atmosphere was building. The everyday safety and prosperity were marred by the racial and political tensions prevalent in the society. Whites continued to shop in major city centers, but the presence of foreigners was minimal. Schools remained segregated, and the future seemed optimistic for many as the 1980s marked a period of opportunity and accumulation of wealth. However, beneath this veneer of normalcy, masses were growing restless, leading to periodic stayaways and protests.
The Rise of Resistance
By the late 1980s, the regime's days were numbered. ANC (African National Congress) launched a series of actions to overthrow the regime, leading to the Great Border War. Simultaneously, lobbying efforts for international sanctions and embargoes intensified, driven by SACP (South African Communist Party), ANC, and PAC (Pan African Congress) revolutionaries abroad. The societal fabric was being torn asunder.
Personal Experiences: Living in the Transkei
I was born in 1984 and had a limited recollection of the era but what I did remember stuck with me. My upbringing was partly influenced by my maternal grandmother in the Transkei, a state-sponsored autonomous bantustan, designed to give indigenous groups a sense of autonomy within South Africa. Crossing the border required a passport, and the process could be fraught with tension. The border officers, often gruff and Afrikaaner, were feared. Anything that could be construed as suspicious, like a magazine from the U.S. or a birthday cake for a child, could lead to searches and inspections, sometimes resulting in legal troubles or confiscated items.
Once inside South Africa, the societal divide was even more pronounced. The police force was known for its capricious and vindictive nature. The entire country was on edge, and blacks were keenly aware of the risks of insurrection. Security forces cracking down on any suspected insurrectionary activity only added to the fear and unrest among the population.
The tensions were also evident in daily interactions. Whites in the area, including my neighbors, were openly racist. My cousin and I played in the driveway of a white family, where we were greeted with harsh language and unwelcoming gestures from the woman of the house. It was a stark reminder of the deep-seated prejudices that permeated the society. While even the poorer white families were known for their repressive attitudes, the children seemed less);$@ manipulated by the same beliefs.
Struggle Songs and Cultural Resistance
The 1980s were not without cultural resistance. Struggle songs, often distributed through mixtapes, provided a soundtrack to the era. Surprisingly, the music was modern and youthful, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the times and the desire for freedom. These songs instilled a sense of urgency, emphasizing the urgency for change. The music was a unifying force, bringing people together to demand their rights and fight against the oppressive regime.
Conclusion
The 1980s in South Africa was a period of economic prosperity and underlying societal tensions. The open and flagrant racism, coupled with the awareness of an impending shift in the political landscape, created a unique backdrop. As a foreigner living through these tumultuous times, the memory of the open racism and the struggle for freedom remains vivid. Despite the challenges, the era also saw the emergence of cultural and political resistance, which played a crucial role in the eventual transformation of South Africa.