In her statement, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela reflects on the expectations people had for South Africa's governance after the fall of apartheid and the rise of the African National Congress (ANC). She acknowledges that it might not be reasonable to expect miracles but suggests there should have been noticeable improvements in how the government operated once the ANC came to power.
Underlying this statement is a critique of the perceived continuity between the oppressive regime that preceded the ANC's governance and the policies and practices implemented by the ANC itself. Madikizela-Mandela is expressing disappointment at what she sees as a lack of substantial change or progress in addressing social inequalities, political injustices, and economic disparities since the transition to democracy. Her words serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and equality that persisted even after apartheid's formal end.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was a prominent figure in South African politics who played a significant role alongside her husband, Nelson Mandela, in opposing apartheid. Known for her activism and advocacy on behalf of black South Africans during the apartheid era, she continued to be an outspoken critic of government policies even after the fall of apartheid. Her statement reflects both personal observations and broader societal concerns about the pace and nature of reforms in post-apartheid South Africa.
