MAMPHELA RAMPHELE: SA needs healing conversations to help reimagine the future and rekindle fire
Anger, betrayal and a breakdown of trust threaten the foundations of our country’s democratic system, writes Mamphela Ramphele
The idealism that enabled the 1994 political settlement has faded. A sense of betrayal, cynicism and anger has descended on our society. Our failure to live up to our commitments to build a just society united in its diversity is threatening the very foundations of our democracy. We have failed to complement the 1994 political settlement with trust-building processes to enable acknowledgement and healing of the wounds of our divided past. Unacknowledged wounds in black and white people are creating a toxic environment that is threatening our future. We need healing conversations to build bridges across the chasms. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was just a teaser. Deeper conversations are required about how we can work together to tackle the burdens of poverty, unemployment and inequality that are embedded in our society. Fundamental socioeconomic restructuring is urgently needed. Black economic empowerment has proven to be a poor substitute for building an inclusive socioec...
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