1990: Before we knew what we now know

11 February 1990, the day that hope was renenwed for the oppressed people of South Africa. It was before we knew FW de Klerk would want to cement his legacy using your release from prison to ease his guilt of being an apartheid sponsor.

It was before we realised that the white population of this country never met us halfway. That's because you crossed the midway bridge and told them "we will forgive". You were not without fault Madiba. You were only flesh and blood. Human. You accepted political power. Economic power remained where it was during apartheid. Your intensions were good. 11 February 1990 got us all drunk with euphria. We never saw it coming that some day a government you once run would kill workers during a protest.

When you were released, we did not know that some you would have to come back from retirement to scold the one you annointed, Thabo Mbeki. For refusing to save the lives of our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. It was long before we knew that some day there would be burning of schools. Even after our thirst for democracy was quenched in 1994. 

We didn't know we would still be at the bottom of the food chain. When you were released from prison, Hope reigned in our lives. We unrealisticly thought our dignity would be restored. 

But we remain with generations of memories of that day. When you walked out of prison and raised your fist. That is a permant reminder of where we come from. That day definitely put some of us on a path of personal success. It is bitter-sweet because communities we come from are today almost dysfunctional. Poverty is at the top of socio-economic woes. 

No doubt, you paved a way. Made the bumpy road look easy. But it seems Mbeki and Jacob Zuma started their new paths. There was never continuation of what you started. We didn't imagine racism, sexism and the access to clean water would still be our pain. 

I will admit that South Africa feels like home today since 11 February 1990. I just wish we all inheritted your fighting spirit against injustices on our people. Wish we all fought our social ill with the same strength you defeated aparhteid. Thank you for dedicating your life to ensure that some day we would work WITH white people, and not FOR them. Thank you for making us imagine the possibility of coexistence between us. My children and their children will know about you and your work. 

We always imagined how this country would be 20 years from that day. Now we know. And you had a lot to do with it. Thank you Tata! 

Ah Dalibhunga!