Monday, June 02, 2008

Today in African History


On June 2, 1999, South Africans went to the polls in their second post-apartheid election, giving the African National Congress a decisive victory. This also marked the retirement of President Nelson Mandela (Tata) and Thabo Mbeki takes office. Some describe this as the moment that the South African government became an independent government in the truest sense. On the other hand, some see South Africa's progress as a pyrrhic victory considering the violent crime sprees and recent xenophobic violence.





Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrica. Amen










Sources:
informationman.com, phrases.org

Photo Source: cache.eb.com

11 comments:

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Oh Africa, My Africa.

Stephen Bess,
You have a way of reminding us of things gone by. You ought to be a historian. A true keeper of all things important for memory and the future.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

u know i was and still down with the PAC
"one settler, one bullet

S. Africa like America is a republic and not a democracy

land owners make decision

they vote like us
but who owns the mines

Crankyputz said...

Your site is one of the most enlightening pieces out there....

Rethabile said...

You said it. And thanks for the link.

christina said...

You are a true memory keeper. Do you keep scrap/heritage books? You are a wonderful photographer also:)

NML/Natalie said...

The others are right - you are very good of reminding us of key moments and events from the past. Thank youx

Kawana Aminata Oliver said...

A key Moment indeed ;-)

Anonymous said...

Great reminder. Even this settler can appreciate the signifance! Would rather like to avoid the bullet and contribute to a peaceful and coexisting society.

Afterall, I try to maintain an exisitence where the considerations about life should help to achieve liberation from such tyrannies of belief, replacing them with informed commitments to human affections, tolerance, and the wisdom taught by individual experience.

Leaving is no option - what is the alternative to 'one bullet'?

Stephen A. Bess said...

Lovebabz-
Thanks. Lord knows I try.

T Stephens-
Emil has responded below. Thanks for the comment.


Cranky-
Thanks. Ready for vacation?

Rethabile-
Thank you, sir.

Christina-
Thanks, sister.

NML-
Always a pleasure, sis.

Kawana-
Thanks for the comment.

Emil-
I can appreciate a peaceful and coexisting society. I wish, I hope, and I pray for peace. Thanks.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

Ill agree with that but recant

"Freedom must be aggressively persued, it is not a gift bestowed upon won, bot agressivelly taken, or welse is one free?

Tha BossMack TopSoil said...

I'm feeling that pic, it seems like that dude waited a very long time to experience democracy.

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