I grew up in a country during a period where the Apartheid policies of racial segregation were at their harshest.
The struggle for freedom started with peaceful resistance, but eventually led to acts of sabotage by the military wing of the African National Congress, headed by Nelson Mandela. Decades of activism and international economic pressure ultimately led to the end of Apartheid in 1994.
We're not here for a history lesson, but that is vital information if I want to respond to 
Given the above background, our country naturally changed in a big way from the time before '94, and the time after.
What was it like living in an Apartheid South Africa?
The ugly truth
We were classified by race, and people of colour were forcibly moved to segregated areas.
Whenever my Dad took our helper home, one of us had to be in the car with them, or they could face arrest under the immorality act.
My parents were different; most other 'European' people would not have dreamt of driving their staff home! I was terrified when I was told the reason why one of us had to be in the car with them, I did not want either of them to go to jail!
The first time I saw the conditions under which she lived, I was horrified; how could this dear woman live there?
As children, we did not understand what was happening and thought this was how it was in the world, and how cruel it was that people of colour had to live like this!
Law was upheld in those days, the streets were clean, and no one littered, or you would be fined, especially if you were not 'European'!
The infrastructure was well-maintained so everything worked. Load shedding was never heard of, nor long periods of electricity and water outages. Buses and trains ran on time. Roads were in good condition, largely due to regular maintenance, and an efficient rail system for transporting goods.
Parks and beaches were clean and well-kept.
We, as 'European' children, were living in a bubble; a seemingly perfect world. Our parents would sometimes whisper about happenings, obviously not wanting to subject us to the horrors taking place, and afraid of being arrested if they had any affiliation with activists.
Most of us were not wealthy, but our parents had jobs, comfortable homes, and food on the table. Everyone drove a 'second-hand' car, and we could go on camping holidays once a year. Flying abroad was for the wealthy.
As children, we lived happy and carefree lives, oblivious to what was happening in the townships, except for the glimpse we saw when going with Dad to drop off our helper.
There was enough electricity and water for everyone.
Except for:
'Non-whites' - the term used by the Apartheid government!
They did not have electricity in their homes, or running water. They used candles and paraffin lamps and had to collect water from a communal tap.
Back in the cities, everything looked perfect, but, benches were marked 'Europeans only/ Slegs vir Blankes'; same with public toilets, beaches, and parks. Trains had separate compartments, and there were demarcated sections in buses!
The biggest atrocity was that 'non-whites' could not attend so-called 'European' schools and had a poor education system that was government-controlled, Many rebelled against this, so opted not to go to school.
Conscription - another ugly word!
All young white men, leaving school or upon completing further studies, were called up to do two years of mandatory military service. Many of these young men had to fight in the Border War, resulting in PTSD in many cases. As is the case with all wars.
Conscientious objectors were given a jail sentence!
Today
We're paying dearly for the sins of the past.
Sadly Nelson Mandela's dream of equal opportunities for all, fell by the wayside when 'new blood' took over government leadership. Greed, and corruption, is destroying our country. Those in top government posts are mostly not chosen for their skill but for their political affiliation, and will sell their souls for money and power.
Naturally, this has been disastrous for our infrastructure; unemployment is at an all-time high, and the poorest of the poor are the ones suffering the most. Crime has escalated, I believe largely due to unemployment, exacerbated by post-COVID lockdowns.
I know I've been painting a bleak picture of our country, but sadly that is how things were, and in a way, still is, except that basic services have been installed in townships. Those services however often fail, due to poor workmanship/inferior materials!
Education
Some of the older generation who opted out of education became bitter and passed that on to their children.
But, many brave South Africans rose to the challenge, and got themselves educated, despite difficulties. Most of the younger generation embraced their newly-found freedom of '94 and entered former so-called 'white' schools.
Education is fundamental to a healthy society, so there is hope for the future.
It may sound like a contradiction, but despite our painful history and current state of affairs, this still is a wonderful country to live in.
We have the most diverse natural beauty, from the mountains, wild canyons, deserts, wide open spaces, game parks, and the sea.
Ubuntu is alive and well, in our Rainbow Nation
Ubuntu is an ancient Southern African philosophy about how to live life well, together. It is a belief in a universal human bond, which says: I am only because you are...
Mungi Ngomane
We live in harmony with our neighbours, and embrace each other's differences.
We do not turn a blind eye when someone needs help, but all band together during times of need, no matter what creed or colour.
I truly believe that politicians are the ones who try to cause division.
I still say that I am proudly South African.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, who fought for the freedom of the African people, did not harbour any bitterness for the years spent in prison, and remained a champion of peace, and reconciliation:
βDuring my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal that I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.β
When will the world wake up and stop fighting for domination; in the home, the workplace, and governments?
Will peace ever reign?
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