Run-up to freedom remembered in Plett author’s journal, now available in English
South Africa’s new political dispensation and hard-won democracy celebrated its 25th anniversary on Freedom Day 2019, Saturday, April 27.
Irrespective of one’s political views, the miracle of South Africa’s peaceful transition of 1994 can never be invalidated. The country managed to transform from minority to majority rule without bloodshed and destruction of valuable infrastructure. And an election without violence.
The SABC was intimately involved, since the early 80s, in changing citizens” collective thinking about apartheid, during the run-up period leading to negotiations about a future dispensation of democracy.
From the early 90s – when real transformation became an inevitable reality – the national broadcaster was literally drawn in a key player during the tumultuous transitional period of negotiations and positioning of political parties.
The SABC. as the only medium with access to all citizens and. furthermore, in their own languages, was like a trophy to be conquered. Even though it endured severe pressure from all angles, the organisation was far ahead in the transformation queue.
As CEO of the SABC, Wynand Harmse – a Plett resident for the past 16 years – was right in the centre of it all. His recently published book SABC 1936-1995′ covers the country’s influential broadcaster from inception until the hand-over to new rulers.
When Wynand discussed his book, focusing on the transformation of the mid-90s and the SABC’s role in the miracle of 1994, everyone in attendance was simply mesmerised.
Turn to page 15 of the July 4, 2018 edition at www.cxpress.co.za for background on his brilliant career.
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