New Beginnings

A New Beginning © Anna Nadolynna-Harris

The original constitution that created South Africa, the British Parliament's South Africa Act of 1909, united two former British colonies, the Cape of Good Hope and Natal, with two former Boer (Dutch) republics, the Transvaal and Orange Free State. The new Union of South Africa was based on a parliamentary system with the British monarch as head of state. The Republic of South Africa Constitution Act of 1961 transformed the country from a dominion within the British Commonwealth into an independent republic. (But not the independence of South African Blacks)

South Africa's political development was shaped by its colonial past and the implementation of apartheid policies by the white MINORITY. After widespread protest and social unrest, a new nonracial interim constitution was adopted in 1993 and took effect in 1994. A new, permanent constitution, mandated by the interim document and drafted by Parliament in 1996, took effect in 1997.

We all know that it was not easy for the blacks in South Africa at that time. Riots were a normal day-to-day activity, people died... lots of people died; including students who wanted Change and a New Beginning.

But why is this relevant you may ask? Well, it is. Remember that South Africa is owned by Blacks but they were oppressed by MINORITY whites. This is the same situation in my country the only difference is that colonialism ended 55 years ago but we suffer neo-colonialism at the hands of a minority who are also mere citizens... ORDINARY CITIZENS. 

As the saying goes, "nothing good comes easy" our New Beginning will never be easy. It will take willpower and those willing to sacrifice anything and everything to see a better country. A country where we can proudly say we are from. A country that does not depend on the West for aid when it has more than enough to support its citizens. A nation governed by equal and ordinary citizens not based on their wealth or social status but on their ideology that can move this country forward.

As for me, I AM TIRED!!! I do not know if you are but look around you and see if this Change or New Beginning is needed. If you find nothing visit another country on holiday and see how things are there.

Truth be told the South African Blacks have their freedom even in these trying times but they had their New Beginning. They didn't have their new beginning by a coup d'état or by some other form but by their resilience and togetherness in wanting a New Beginning and they got it.

Our world cannot be perfect but we can make it better than it is.