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Another article (of the many) discussing Biko’s impact…
I am keen to know the thoughts of post-apartheid Mzansi/Azania, which seems to have more economic, political, and social segregation that the apartheid era (unless I am grossly mistaken).
Based on my research and discussions with Afrikans, it seems the seeds of dissent were planted within the Bantu and Nguni native populations by Brits and Boers, as many Afrikans aspired to occupy positions in the “middle class” during the industrialization era (1800-early 1900s). Considering the racism and anti-Black/Afrikan policies of the mining boom that took place in the Northern Cape (Kimberley) and Gauteng province, which was formely the Transvaal, I’ve found that during colonialism and prior to South Africa’s “liberation” and development of the USA (Union of South Africa) 1910 as established by South Africa Act of 1909, colonial Afrikans (Europeanized Afrikans) differentiated themselves from native Afrikans.
That said, Im interested in perceptions of Blackness in contemporary Mzansi, which seems to have middle class Afrikans (or “Black diamonds” as they are called) who denounce their Blackness or Afrikanity, and embrace the concepts of Afrikans constructed by whites. While the majority of South Afrikans live in underdeveloped, under-resourced, and neglected areas, those depicted in media seem to be a relative minority who accept and internalize European ideals. This is very similar to Amerikkka, where many Afrikan descendants are marginalized and oppressed, but a relative few have “middle class” status and defend the hegemonic and anti-Black US govt.I believe this is extremely relevant, because although Mzansi is now “democratic” and the apartheid regime was “abolished”, it seems the political establishment is working in concert with EU central banks, corporations, Brits and Boers, Indians, etc., while Black (Bantu and Nguni) populations remain exploited. Considering the 1990s, we know different South Afrikans were variably affected by policies based on their ethnicity and cooperation with former colonizers. — History shows that whites will arm Black Africans to destroy each other (IFP vs ANC), and that seems to have remain unchanged, despite the presence of the EFF (which utilizes a Marxist framework, and is confusing despite their ability to galvinaze South African youth). I’m not even going to open the rabit hole of ANC “corruption” and the factions which resulted in other political parties. It seems Sobukwe and the PAC’s efforts continue to be betrayed for concessions and (economic) marginal status improvements: like integration with white people
