Haunting Memories of Apartheid: South Africans Demand Justice and Accountability

Despite progress since the end of apartheid, many South Africans who sacrificed for freedom claim they are still haunted by the past and see little compensation or support for their struggles.

It was a fateful night on December 10, 1987, when Mzolisi Dyasi, a former anti-apartheid activist, was summoned to identify the bodies of loved ones in a South African morgue. The memories of that encounter, coupled with the years of torture he endured in prison, continue to haunt his life. After battling the oppressive apartheid regime, which transitioned into a multi-racial democracy in 1994, Dyasi reflects sorrowfully on his journey, describing the deep scars that remain.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which sought to address past injustices, allocated reparations, but much of the designated fund remains untouched. Dyasi received a one-time payment of 30,000 rand (approximately $3,900), a meager sum in light of his sacrifices. Now in his sixties and suffering chronic health issues, he struggles to afford medication, relying on a special pension intended for veterans.

Professor Tshepo Madlingozi from South Africa's Human Rights Commission highlights the enduring legacy of apartheid: entrenched poverty for many 'born-free' South Africans, who have inherited economic challenges. With around $110 million in unutilized reparations, he questioned the government’s accountability for the funds.

Lawyers representing apartheid victims emphasize the betrayal felt by many impacted families. They argue that the government has failed to sufficiently investigate crimes against humanity identified by the TRC, resulting in lawsuits that demand greater accountability.

Brian Mphahlele, another survivor, described the insufficient reparations as an insult. Living in poverty, he expressed dismay that the payout could barely enhance his quality of life before his untimely death, leaving his aspirations unrealized.

Reflecting on the initial hopes for a united South Africa, Dyasi recounts feelings of optimism during his release from prison in 1990. Yet, as he witnesses the struggles of fellow survivors, he voices discontent over their current state. “We don’t want to be millionaires, but the government should ensure these people’s healthcare and livelihoods improve.”

As South Africa marks three decades since its transition to democracy, many survivors remain marginalized. The call for justice and acknowledgment of their contributions continues, resonating with a population still grappling with the remnants of an oppressive past. The message is clear: addressing the wounds of apartheid is not only a necessity for the victims but an enduring promise for a unified future.