MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

I Admit, I had Tears in my Eyes

By

Invictus

Finally got to watch the movie Invictus over the weekend. Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood, stars Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in a story about the Springboks 1995 World Cup victory and the nation building that took place before, during and just after the game spearheaded by Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar.

When the moans and groans from the local film making industry were doing the rounds about a foreign film making company ‘stealing’ a uniquely South African story I did find myself sympathetic to the sentiment. After watching the film I have second thoughts though, as it is refreshing to see our South Africa and the ‘just after apartheid’ era through the eyes of impartial observers who have told the story with sensitivity and made me weep for simpler times.

Yes, the rage and frustration in me came through as Freeman, playing Mandela, showed his incredible empathy and understanding of the true meaning of Ubuntu and reconciliation in order to build and heal a great nation, people and country. I experience rage and frustration as I struggle to understand just where we have gone wrong, where did we fall off the bus and become once again a nation that highlights differences instead of celebrating them?

Just when and what was the pivotal point where we once again became a nation divided?

Watching the Invictus Springbok team ride into the townships and give those youngsters chanting; “Chester, Chester, Chester” a little bit of hope fills me with rage, noting that political parties have, over the last 18 years also ridden into the townships, given a little hope, collected votes and then SMASHED those hopes and dreams time and time again. Every time we dip into this ripe voting pool we continue to make empty promises and slowly go backward with service delivery and education.

The poor have become poorer and the rich richer.

BUT, the poor have become richer with righteous indignation and the rich have become poorer and meaner in spirit.

I am afraid that the poor have had the wool pulled over their eyes far too many times now and the ferment of revolt is beginning to show it’s teeth. First it will be a voting boycott and then the violence will start. That people are so frustrated at having their hopes and dreams shattered by a crappy political game, that not accepting not voting at all is seen as a solution is the death knell of democracy in our country.

We are sliding inexorably from ‘One man, One vote’ to ‘One man, No vote’.

If you want to see Invictus and decide for yourself if I am just a cute little kitty or not then:

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.