In South African history, the politics of words, of poetry, of prose has always been a driving force for action; it unifies the people into a common goal of overcoming immense obstacles. This telling of stories has been passed down from generation to generation and is intimately tied to the many cultures residing in the one “rainbow nation;” it is a strong, deep current that one can feel immediately swept up in. The words of South Africans continue to reveal the pain of the struggles and the cutting commitment to hope.
I read somewhere once, that children in South Africa are born political. The youth live and breathe the height of public displays of unrest and also the heavy consciousness of the thoughts that linger in the air, but are not spoken by the elders. The young understand the full weight and responsibility they carry in developing their country; to them it is a daunting task , they often falter but continue in much the same way as their forbearers, by using words to strengthen them in their resolve to build a more sustainable and stable future.
A youth appoached me one day and asked to read a poem that she had composed. I listened to the rhythmic flow of her Zulu language and although I could not understand the words completely, the depth was undeniably present. I asked for an English translation which she brought to me enthusiastically the following day. Here are her thoughts and her words.
What is happening in our country?
What is happening in our country?
People from the same country are fighting each other
Our sisters and brothers are dying
Who is this country going to be left with?
Black people be proud of your country
Love your country
Black people are killing each other
And HIV destroys our Rainbow Nation
What is happening in our country?
Children are parents
And parents are children
Where is respect for the elders?
Let’s change
Generations and generations
Are looking up to us
Let’s be a good example
What is happening in our country?
Youth of this country
We are the future of this country
This is our country
If we don’t build our country
Who is going to build it?
Let’s stand up Africans and build our country!
