Not celebrating the birth of our state is an opportunity missed

In his State of the Nation Address earlier this year, President Jacob Zuma said: “During the course of this year, we will mark the centenary of the establishment of the Union of South Africa. This created a unitary state. Significantly, the exclusion of black people from this union was one of the chief reasons for the formation of the African National Congress in 1912. As we mark this centenary later in the year, we should reflect on how far we have travelled as a country.” The 31st of May has come and gone this week, with no visible commemoration of or reflection on the 100th birthday of Africa’s most successful modern state.

On the eve of the 'non-celebration', there were spectacular demonstrations of how far we have come as a nation: In the Battle of Soweto, two South African rugby teams – with a largely white and Coloured support base – tackled one another at the Orlando Stadium in an atmosphere in and around the arena of abundant goodwill; and in our streets, South Africans on a large scale are demonstrating unifying patriotism on the eve of the Fifa Soccer World Cup tournament.

A bit of celebration for the 100th birthday of our country, or a mention at least, from our leaders around the epic Soweto event would not have been completely misplaced. Perhaps it was an opportunity missed.

When reflecting on the event of 31 May 1910, it is indeed essential to take note of the fact that blacks and also Coloureds were largely excluded from the franchise. One could even speculate about what might have been if the election arrangements had been different.

For a balanced view, however, one would also do well to reflect on the event – as far as is possible in retrospect – within the context of the time.

Coming only eight years after the end of Africa’s bloodiest and most devastating colonial wars, Britain as the colonial was the main driver behind the unification process.

Its motivation had very little to do with the interest of the then two colonies and two recently conquered independent republics. While its primary interest was the mineral riches of the two conquered territories, the war claimed two-thirds of its life stocks, between 30 000 and 40 000 houses were burnt down; and, with at least 10% of the white population wiped out, it could easily have become a drain and establishing factor in the empire.

Westminster’s aim was to create a stable state with growth potential and the ability to look after itself. Accepting the fact that English speakers would never constitute a majority in white South Africa, the Liberal government of the time sought to come to terms with the Afrikaner majority.

The fact that even the title political rights – which were retained for people other than whites in the Cape Colony of the time – were coupled to property ownership, was not something unheard of in many parts of the “developed world” at the time.

In fact, it was not only blacks who were excluded from the vote in the Constitution enacted in 1910. Women had to wait for another 20 years until 1930 before they were allowed onto the voters' roll.

In reflection, there is plenty that can be pointed out which was wrong about that arrangement. To ignore the event, however, and treat it as if it delivered only evil would be to deny the important role it played in delivering the economic powerhouse of Africa and example to the world in many respects that South Africa is today.

When speculating about what might have been, one could also wonder if things would not have been considerably better for the people of Zimbabwe if the Southern Rhodesia of the time used the opportunity it had in 1922 to join the Union. A referendum held in that country at the time, however, rejected the idea.

The establishment of the modern South African state in 1910 also created the opportunity for the diverse black population of the land to unite over their divides with the establishment of the South African Native National Congress, the first incarnation of the African National Congress.

Perhaps an important opportunity for nation building was missed by not properly – and in a renewed commitment of reconciliation and common goals – commemorating the birth of our nation this year.

The next big date comes up at the same time next year. The 31st of May 2010 will mark the 50th year since South Africa got rid of the last remnants of colonial rule with the establishment of the Republic of South Africa. Judged by what happened this year, it would be hazardous to one's health to hold one's breath for a celebration of that event.

Yes, there is still a long way to go toward complete reconciliation. Perhaps another 20 years down the line, the women of our land will illustrate how far we can get if women for all groups jointly celebrate the 100th centenary of when the first women received the right to vote.