By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
In a nation once marked by severe racial segregation, South Africa's new coalition government presents an image of unity with a Black president and a white opposition leader. However, the power sharing agreement between President Cyril Ramaphosa's African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance, a predominantly white led party, has inadvertently revived racial tensions.
Many Black South Africans are uneasy with a white led party participating in government, reflecting the enduring impact of apartheid, which ended 30 years ago. The legacy of white minority rule continues to affect the Black majority, who still face unresolved issues of poverty and inequality.
The coalition government means more white individuals may hold senior government positions than at any time since apartheid's end. Whites constitute about 7% of South Africa's 62 million population. The ANC, which ended apartheid in 1994 under Nelson Mandela, saw its dominance wane in the May 29 election, leading to the coalition with the DA, the second largest vote winner with roots in anti apartheid liberal white parties.
Both parties have promoted the coalition as a necessary step towards national unity amid severe socioeconomic challenges. However, the DA's recent suspension of white lawmaker Renaldo Gouws, who made racist slurs in a decade old social media video, has sparked controversy. Gouws faces party disciplinary action and court proceedings by the South African Human Rights Commission. This incident has renewed scrutiny of the DA, previously accused of favoring whites.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions, an ANC ally, criticized the DA for being "soft on racists," stressing the need for the DA to address such issues to be accepted in the coalition. DA leader John Steenhuisen refuted claims that his party serves only white interests, highlighting its diverse membership and electoral success in a Black majority country. Nonetheless, the DA's "sense of whiteness" remains a concern for many South Africans.
Further complicating matters, the MK Party of former President Jacob Zuma and the Economic Freedom Fighters have refused to join the coalition, criticizing the DA's perceived commitment to white interests. EFF leader Julius Malema, known for his provocative rhetoric on race, opposes the coalition, citing persistent racial inequalities where 64% of Black South Africans live in poverty compared to 1% of whites.
Malema's stance resonates with many Black South Africans disillusioned by the ANC's inability to address race based inequality after three decades of freedom. This discontent has led to declining support for the ANC, with potential repercussions for its coalition with the DA.
In his inauguration speech, Ramaphosa acknowledged the persistent "toxic" divisions and emphasized the need for unity and equality. The ANC aims to use the coalition to rejuvenate Mandela's vision of racial reconciliation. "To us, it doesn't matter whether the cat is black or white," said ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, echoing Mandela's inclusive philosophy. "Fundamentally, the question is how do we move the country forward."