South Africa is a complex society. Shaped over centuries by social engineers who “knew” they were right (the “know F-Alls”) all who occupy it today live with daily reminders of the consequences of such idiocy. We need to embrace complexity. Doing so allows each of us to realise how little we know. To keep an open mind. And keep striving for a better way. In that context, I was delighted to receive this deeply considered contribution from a 20 year old South African who shares his thoughts about what it is to be part of this continent. From one African to another: you make me proud young man. – AH
By Vuyo wa Afrika*
I am a young African man born in May 1993 to a mixed race couple. My mother being an African and my dad a European. Now that makes me a child of ‘mixed race’. Or, as some would say a ‘coloured’. But I choose to be an African. To me mixed race and coloured are not identities. They are labels implemented by colonialists so as to ensure that racial divisions exist, more specifically divide Africans. More on that topic to be discussed at another time.
This is how I’m introducing my first opinion piece for BizNewz. I hope by now you have not dozed off. I am writing specifically about African identity.
What makes you an African? Is it race; creed; culture; tradition or anything else you have in mind? Now back to my story. I attended a former Model C all boys school from Grade 4 to Grade 12. Every year during the first term of school, teachers have to conduct a survey required by Government. Included in the many questions, ‘race’ is one of them. This question on race is asked in an ‘Apartheid form’, viz: whether the learner is black/white/coloured or other. Personally, my complexion is neither white nor black, and I believe it is impossible to be white or black in complexion. Let alone coloured. Perhaps black is the closest one can be to be an African.
Of course, other learners would bleat with laughter, and this went on year after year. I dreaded the ‘survey moment’, though it never bothered me. I knew first and foremost that I’m human and an African. I did not have sleepless nights either. I realised how much other boys still had to learn about UBUNTU for all people.I have been brought up with clear teachings of Bantu Biko; Frantz Fanon; Malcolm X; Credo Mutwa; Maya Angelou and many others. There was never any doubt of who I am. Here I am waffling again. My apology.
Back to the topic about African identity. What does it mean to be an African? Merely being black, would that make you more African than a white person? If so, would it mean a black person in the USA is more African than a white person in South Africa? In a recent interview, Bill Cosby made an interesting comment with regard to being called an African American. He made it unequivocally clear that he doesn’t want to be referred to as African American. He is simply an American. Bill’s reason being that he was born and raised in America, not in Africa. He said he has no connection in Africa other than through his ancestors. Cosby also states that he has yet to hear a white American refer to himself/herself as Scottish American for example.
The reaction among South Africans is interesting as it varies from person to person. It is unique. Some people I speak to, say that only black people can be Africans. The Zambian Deputy President is a white person democratically elected by the majority. Is this possible here in the future elections? I don’t know. To me, race is immaterial. Merit, competence and accountability are crucial.
* Not his real name. The author prefers to be published under a nom de plume.
