South Africa is a beautiful and diverse country, with a rich history that has shaped its present and will continue to shape its future. But when we talk about ownership of the country, it raises some interesting questions. Who really owns South Africa? Is it the government, the people, or something else entirely?
When we think about ownership of a country, the first thing that comes to mind is usually citizenship. If you were born in South Africa, then it's your country, right? But is that really enough to claim ownership? What about the millions of people who were born in South Africa but don't have access to land or economic power? Do they truly own the country they were born in?
This is where the definition of country ownership needs a revisitation. We can’t simply rely on birthright to determine ownership. We need to look at other factors, such as economic power and access to resources, to truly understand who owns South Africa.
It’s clear that the politicians don’t own the country. They may have the power to make decisions and run the government, but they are not the owners of South Africa. The same can be said for the comprado elites, who have assimilated the features of the colonial powers and are often more interested in their own interests than the interests of the people.
So, if the government and the elites don’t own the country, who does? The answer is simple: the people. It’s the people of South Africa who make the country what it is. They are the ones who live, work, and raise families here. They are the ones who have the power to change things for the better.
But owning a country isn’t just about living in it. It’s also about having a sense of pride and patriotism for your homeland. This doesn’t mean blindly following the government or ignoring the country’s problems. It means recognizing the country’s strengths and weaknesses, and working to make it a better place for everyone.
As Breyten Breytenbach said, “you cannot move on without the memory of where you come from, even if that journey is fictitious.” Our love for South Africa should be based on our memories and experiences, but also on our hopes for the future. We must not let our patriotism be misappropriated by those who seek to exploit our love for their own gain.
It’s important to remember that South Africa is still struggling with the legacy of colonialism and apartheid. The effects of these systems are still felt today, and there are many challenges that need to be overcome. But we must continue to fight for our country, whether we have land or not. The Republic of South Africa is ours, and we must work together to make it a place where everyone can thrive.
In short, ownership of a country isn’t just about citizenship or government power. It’s about the people who live and work in that country, and their sense of pride and patriotism. We must continue to fight for South Africa, and work towards a brighter future for all who call this beautiful country home.
By Proudly Afrikan
