Apartheid ended, but black juniority did not – Ndlozi’s new book
In his book, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said that black juniority persists decades after apartheid, fuelled by failed leadership, economic exclusion, and poor education.
Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a former EFF MP and political analyst, argues that although apartheid ended more than three decades ago, its legacy still shapes South Africa's economic power dynamics and opportunity gaps. In his book, "Love and Violence: The Revolt Against Permanent Juniority," Ndlozi contends that black political leaders have become a significant part of the problem.
He examines the lasting impacts of colonialism and apartheid, focusing on how black youth were denied autonomy and how self-hatred and internalized violence were cultivated.
Ndlozi introduced the concept of "permanent juniority," which he describes as a condition where racial equality remains elusive despite the removal of formal legal apartheid structures. He attributes this to the persistence of apartheid's economic and social arrangements. Ndlozi criticizes spatial planning and public education systems, which he believes perpetuate disadvantage by not prioritizing mathematics and science education.
He also laments the political elite's failures, citing corruption, lack of planning, and inability to deliver essential services. Ndlozi contrasts South Africa's situation with Ethiopia's more sustainable economic growth, suggesting that the cultural dumbing down resulting from Bantu Education has had enduring effects.
He criticizes the political fragmentation in South Africa, warning that numerous political parties hinder coordinated planning and implementation. Ndlozi also questions the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission's approach, arguing that justice and reconciliation can coexist without compromising accountability. He points to the post-apartheid National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) selective prosecution of apartheid-era crimes as a significant setback.
In terms of economic transformation, Ndlozi holds government and business accountable for systemic incompetence, corruption, and laziness. He highlights unresolved issues such as landlessness, unemployment, and economic disparities as threats to democracy's legitimacy. Ndlozi suggests that Africa's dependence on Western supervision and neocolonialism perpetuates racial antagonism.
To overcome racial inequality, he advocates for economic reforms, including changes to apartheid spatial planning, greater investment in black entrepreneurs, and improved education systems. Ndlozi concludes that genuine equality hinges on addressing land, capital, and cultural development issues.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
