I’ve mentioned before that I have zero patriotism. I’m not anti-patriotism, I just think that being born in South Africa was like a cosmic accident or coïncidence or whatever. and unlike the US being patriotic is not performative here, and it’s not expected from us in schools or in the media. so it’s never been a ‘necessary’ part of my identity
I love being from Cape Town though, I think this is a wonderful city. and then more broadly, I have just as much affection and feel just as “culturally connected” to Namibians, Zimbabweans and Basotho, as I do to people from the opposite side of South Africa. so yeah I guess I identify as Southern African, rather than South African specifically. a citizen of SACU perhaps
However. there are a few things that definitely stir the Mzansi Spirit within me, and suggest that perhaps there is something special about this country after all. Vulindlela by Brenda Fassie is undoubtedly one of them. like I honestly believe every South African feels that song in their soul. Siki Jo-An’s rendition on the Voice was Fantastic !! it just made me so happy listening to it
