In the tumult of the anti-apartheid demonstrations which are shaking Soweto, an image crystallizes the intensity of the tensions: a demonstrator is dragged by force by the police, resistance painted on his determined face. This scene captured by the lens of William Campbell of Sygma/Getty Images reveals the violence of the struggles that persist in South Africa, but also highlights the depth of the psychological scars that require healing.
As South Africa enters a new political era with the establishment of the seventh democratic Parliament, the need to address inherited social trauma should not be overlooked. The neglect of this crucial conversation, which should have been a priority thirty years ago, contributes to maintaining deeply rooted psychological and emotional trauma in the personal, institutional, community and political spheres of our society.
While political negotiations during the transition to democracy focused on economic restructuring and the establishment of policy frameworks, the work of emotional awareness was largely neglected. The psychological scars of past injustices remain gaping and unhealed. This omission has left a void in the democratization process, fueling a cycle of pain and resentment that undermines our efforts to build a democratic and cohesive society.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, although a positive step forward, did not sufficiently address the deep psychological wounds inflicted by apartheid. By focusing primarily on political crimes and massive human rights violations, the TRC left aside the daily traumas experienced by millions, and these wounds continue to manifest themselves today.
Some might argue that focusing on the past hinders progress and that our priority should be economic development and political stability. However, ignoring these deep-rooted emotional issues fundamentally undermines our efforts to achieve lasting economic and political stability.
It is imperative to integrate emotional and traumatic transformation as an essential part of our country’s political agenda. This process requires the active participation of all sectors of society, including government, civil society and community leaders. We need to create spaces where these deep emotional questions can be expressed openly and honestly.
To build a strong future for our country, it is essential that our leaders invest in healing from their own trauma, so that they can hear, contain and express the pain of others in constructive ways.. By engaging leaders who can address these underlying emotional issues, South Africa can move towards a more just and balanced society, free from the disease of division and resentment.