Page 16 - SA Chamber UK Newsletter April 2024

That’s the bad news about the years since 1994 (added of course to the fact that my university
postgrad journalism notes claiming that journalists were meant to hold the authorities of the

day accountable cannot hold true in a country of disparate cultures, where one person’s
value is sometimes the vice of another, and where corrupt politicians falling on their sword is
seen as financial suicide).

The Good News
It will be hard to believe after the whinge above, but the good news since 1994 has been
relatively remarkable.

As hard as it is to believe today, ‘normal’ societal practices once outlawed have been corrected.

The majority of South Africans today can sit on public transport together, use the same public
facilities, be treated at the same hospitals, dine in the same restaurants and play sports
together. A Siya Kolisi would never have been captain of the Springboks, let alone played for
them. Dignity to much of the country’s population has been restored – the fatal legacy of pit
latrine toilets is for the liberation government’s account.

Albeit not as quickly as one would’ve hoped, the black middle class has grown, and children

of all races can be seen walking home together, playing at each other’s homes, something
so many of us were denied in the dark days of apartheid. For all the state’s multiple failings,
there are no government hit squads that we know of, yet (although Gauteng Department of
Health corruption whistle-blower Babita Deokaran would suggest government involvement).

Creative Threads
South Africa’s creative streak has grown even more (driven admittedly by the dire state of the
economy), with the artistic offerings at our weekend markets amongst the most creative to be
found anywhere on the planet. Which brings to mind the commonly held belief that amongst

the most creative music of the 80s was a direct response to what was regarded by many
amongst us, the youth, as the oppressive Thatcher years.

While the likes of Paul Weller and The Jam and The Clash were back then spawned by
disillusionment, South Africa’s operatic talents today announce their appreciation of beauty
and opportunity on world stages. Among them are acclaimed soprano Pretty Yende of then
Piet Retief (now Mkhondo) and Levy Sekgapane of Kroonstad, one of the world’s leading bel

canto tenors, who before 1994 wouldn’t have been allowed to use the same toilet as their white
counterparts. Luckily for Sekgapane he wasn’t born then, while Yende hadn’t yet turned ten.

Lest We Forget

Not forgotten are the increased hectares under conservation in our national parks and game
reserves, where – driven by growing tourism interest in South Africa’s attractions – amongst
the finest lodge designs and meals are found.

The hospitality industry is where South Africa stands really tall, rubbing shoulders with the

world’s best offerings. As an internationally recognised writer, and professional providing

16

SA CHAMBER UK NEWSLETTER APRIL 2024