After 14 years in London, I had to align myself with various strange phenomena here in South Africa. I had no romantic illusion about what and who South Africa and South Africans became during our stay in England. I was thoroughly aware of the economic and political challenges – and despite that, we came back by choice. However, I am confused about my experience of Afrikaans speaking South Africans.
I know identity can be separated like an orange. I also feel helpless if there is an inability to really hear me, and frustrated by the influence of national laws and the economy on entrepreneurs and employees. However, I want to say something about the other side.
I remember how we have proudly spoken Afrikaans, and English was something that was limited to the subject of English at school. Remember Chris Barnard, who performed the first heart transplant. The C.J. Langenhoven quotes, and the Ruperts’ ability to create wealth from nothing. I remember the solidarity on Tuesdays and Thursdays when the entire country had come to a halt for Afrikaans TV shows. Everybody watched Transkaroo and Agter elke man. Or do you remember Ballade vir ’n enkeling? We were unashamed part of a context or a milieu.
What I find strange, is that Afrikaners steer away from memories. I would like to encourage Afrikaners to remember again. Remember the good without reproach or regret. We may remember without being ashamed. We may remember and be proud. We speak Afrikaans. Yes, bad things had happened. But why do we not lift up our heads and talk about the good heroes and pioneers of the past without being exclusive or referring to a particular race? If you can remember without regret, you are rooted.
I interviewed Jak de Priester on the business model of an entertainer and focused on his program Reis na Gister. Your memories anchor your roots to an identity. We don’t have to wish it away. Winston Churchill said: “If we open a quarrel between past and present, we will find that we have lost the future.”
REMEMBER
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