With the least of knowledge about building; we understand that the foundation is of significant importance in securing the rigidity and longevity of a building, such that it will be able to serve the purpose it was built for. There is more that goes into the process of building a foundation of a building – if I may add:

the speciality and complexity that goes with the construction of a foundation is dependent but not limited to; ground structure, climatic conditions and the intended purpose of the building. 

There are different foundation types: full basement, crawlspace, and slab-on grade. Different types are popular in different parts of the country; with reasons that include ground structure and climatic conditions. 

Moreover common with all foundation types is the fact that the foundation must be rigid and capable of carrying the weight of the wall. 

Hence, although foundations have been made from a number of materials — stone, block and even treated wood — reinforced concrete is used.  The contractor erects wooden forms, installs steel reinforcing bars (“rebar”) between the form faces, then fills the forms with poured concrete, all in efforts to make sure the wall is rigid. 

The predominant problem with our independence is the fact that it was founded upon a compromise. I like referring to it as a “compromised freedom”. 

Our independence was reached on basis of a flawed consensus; the win-win situation would have never worked well when one of the parties involved has been on the lose end for over 400 years. 

The interests of the indigenous people and their future generations were not on top of the list of the round table talks, instead the protection of white supremacy and privilege was on top of that list. 

The ideology of Pan-Africanism and nationalisation was thus neglected, effectively the interests of the black majority took a back seat as “our” leaders were servient to their colonial masters. 

The colonial masters had everything to gain, we were again on the losing end, we had nothing to gain, the field of play was not levelled for a fair game. The above on its own deemed the foundation of our independence a systematically failed establishment. 

The foundation of our independence was not built in consideration of the reality of black people in South Africa. It was not built in consideration of over 400 years of molestation and exploitation. South Africa was colonised politically, economically and mentally, but our independence gave us freedom from the political enslavement bit only. 

That is a dangerous flaw because freedom is whole, it is not in installments. You are either free or enslaved. Given the polarised conditions of the West and South Africa; there would have not been a winning solution found inbetween.

It was either going to be a win or a lose, indeed we are the ones who lost. It is as if there was never a foundation built to start with; because the walls are showing cracks as we speak. 

This is a reflection of the fact that the foundation was not built rigid enough in the first place. It is still disputed if it was a deliberate compromise or the enemy’s strategies were just too advanced for South Africa to have taken an alternative route, either than the unfruitful route it took. 

However as an individual I refuse to shift the blame to anyone else except our own leaders, those who sat on the round table. I refuse to shift the blame even given that we grant them a benefit of a doubt. 

Let us assume they did not notice any hassles with the foundation. 

Atleast we might assume that with regards to the conditions that had to be taken into account, maybe we might assume that with regards to the purpose, slightly we might also assume that with regards to the foundation type, but do you want to tell me that nothing was noticed even during the process of reinforcing and concreting the foundation?– If that is the case then allow me to say we had no leadership. If that is not the case, then we were sold out, NOTHING INBETWEEN. 

To drive my point home. The compromises done by our leaders during the transition process to independence coerced a situation where it was impossible for South Africa to be given birth to; as a new country that seeks to restore the dignity and humanity of its indigenous people. 

The transition process was viewed and undertaken as a process to correct the injustices of the past; instead of being viewed as the beginning of something new, the birth of a new country. 

It is important to make a distinction between the two: when the process is viewed as a process of “correction” it alludes that for the most part the unjust system was reasonable, only for certain spots should it be corrected. THAT IS A WRONG SYSTEM OF REASONABLE LOGIC. 

As a result of such a view the TRC and CODESA talks failed our people dismally. The wounds of the past are still dripping fresh blood, the pain is getting intense by day. The economy of our country is still in the hands of the white minority. 

If the process was viewed as a beginning of a new dispensation (rebirth of Azania). It alludes that a new creature had to be created, meaning everything that was; had to be dissolved and we would’ve created something new. 

That would have began with political education and restoring of the black person’s dignity, value and perspective before anything else.

In conclusion. The foundation that this independence is built upon is shaky; like a project completed by an inexperienced engineer. It is quite not possible for this current foundation to carry the heavy load of the wall that is built up on it. 
#FeesMustFall is a manifestation of such, in fact #FeesMustFall is just a symptom of a deep rooted structural problem. 

This is only the beginning, the cracks are getting wider and wider by day, it is not too long before the wall collapses. 

South Africa is heading for a revolution, what should have been done during the transition from apartheid to independence is yet to be done. No one can stop ideas who’s time has come.

As young people spearheaded the turning point of South African politics in 1976, history will repeat itself. The governing party must understand the clock, so that they may know what time it is. 


Email: mphumzimm@gmail.com

Call: 0726906903

Facebook: Mphumzi Nikuzuko Merciful