Unfulfilled Promises: The Lingering Effects of Apartheid on South Africa

Four decades after the end of apartheid, many survivors and their families express frustration over the government's failure to adequately compensate victims, raising concerns about intergenerational poverty and lost opportunities.

On a fateful December night in 1987, Mzolisi Dyasi was thrust into a traumatic reality: faced with the bodies of his pregnant girlfriend, cousin, and fellow anti-apartheid activist, he recalled a moment of profound anguish and resilience. “Amandla!” he tried to shout, only to be overwhelmed by despair, a haunting memory that still troubles him decades later. Dyasi, who endured four years of torture during his activism with uMkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the ANC, has endured a life of struggles in a country that promised equality and justice.

Following the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, to address the multitude of human rights abuses committed under apartheid. While a reparations fund was initiated, many believe it has failed its intended beneficiaries. Although Dyasi received a one-off payment of 30,000 rand ($3,900) in 2003, he shares that it provided little support, hindering his aspirations to complete his education.

Prof. Tshepo Madlingozi of South Africa’s Human Rights Commission underscores the ongoing ramifications of apartheid, noting that while progress has been made, many born after 1994 continue to face economic hardships rooted in their parents’ traumas. The reparations fund, reportedly containing around $110 million, remains largely unspent, with unresolved questions surrounding its intended use.

Lawyer Howard Varney, advocating for families and victims of apartheid, describes the reparations situation as a “deep betrayal.” He currently represents a group suing the government for failing to pursue accountability for apartheid-era political crimes.

Another victim, Brian Mphahlele, who endured significant torture in Pollsmoor Prison, also expressed dissatisfaction with the reparations he received—feeling that the amount fell woefully short of addressing the lasting impact of his suffering. He lamented living in a township, relying on a soup kitchen, and feeling swallowed by his circumstances until his death.

Prof. Madlingozi warns that while South Africa initially served as a beacon for racial reconciliation globally, there remains an alarming narrative that crimes against humanity can go unpunished. However, he believes there is still potential for change, promoting accountability and reparative justice well into the country’s future.

As Dyasi reflects on the hope he once felt when leaving prison in 1990, he emphasizes the ongoing challenges and the lives still affected by apartheid. "We don't want to be millionaires," he insists, urging the government to prioritize healthcare and support for those who fought for their freedom, highlighting the children orphaned by the conflict and the persistent inequities faced by survivors today.