The shared memory of South Africa , beyond Apartheid and FIFA2010

June 14, 2010 - PRLog -- A good break in the rhythm of soccer in Johannesburg is the Apartheid Museum or the Museum of apartheid, a term that refers to the regime that was established in South Africa between 1948 and 1991. Understanding the South African history through its racial segregation is of utmost importance to those who visit the country and still see regions or even cities, labeled by the color of its inhabitants.

Still in its entrance gate, visitors to the museum can literally feel the skin which non-Europeans (mostly blacks and Indians) lived in the years of discrimination. Entries are separated to whites and nonwhites. Obviously, the visitor can choose which category will go. Not allowed to take pictures inside the museum.


The first lanes are dedicated to the root of the main groups that shaped South Africa, called San. As the continent is the cradle of humanity, a wise board said it would not have to worry about classifying human beings, since we are all, somehow Africans.

In the next few rooms and corridors, the story begins from the context of the emergence of apartheid. This idea originated in justification that blacks and whites would never be a single society sharing the same values and cultures. Some historians have found explanations in religious theory that some of the Afrikaners believed that each group is predestined, or refer, or be subjected.

Over the years, and improvement of black revolutionary consciousness in 1948 the regime became explicit through hundreds of laws that determined where blacks should occupy space on its own soil. It was in that context that the figure of Nelson Mandela came to prominence in the city of Johannesburg, through its many roles in liberation movements, especially not campaign, inspired by Gandhi's nonviolent resistance. But it was when the black population was already being killed for not reacting to Mandela decided to face the possibility of an armed confrontation. And at that moment, was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment. Over the next 27 years, from 1964.

A section is fully dedicated to Nelson Mandela, also known as Madiba. The activist, comrade, statesman, and prisoner dedicated his life to change the minds of his country. His words printed on the walls of the museum reveals a personality of those who have provided their mission and how important it would not falter, motivate people to self-knowledge and be strong for years in a prison that would lha, Robben Island.

In the rest of the way the Apartheid Museum, the history of South Africa and Mandela's mix, as well as thousands of activists who have lost their freedom or were executed by the regime. Only in the 1980s, after several demonstrations of disobedience that made the world turn their attention to the country, is that leaders and governments have begun negotiations for a new nation. However, Mandela was only released in 1990 and elected the first black president of South Africa in 1994.

In a single day is impossible to conceive of any injustice that millions of South Africans have suffered for decades. But after a few days in South Africa, with a critical eye and, in particular researcher, you can still understand much of what goes on in the collective imagination. It is still too recent to change the whole concept in South Africa, so even if there are people who have become accustomed to the past more than a nation where blacks are occupying their spaces in the South African elite.


As he was being tried for treason, a process known as "Rivonia Trial, Mandela spoke:

"... During my life, I dedicated myself to this struggle of Africans. I fought against white domination and black. I have supported the ideal of a free and democratic society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. This is an ideal for which I live to see. But if you must, this is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. "


Ana Monteiro
Special Correspondent in South Africa





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