Thoughts into action: Creating a long-term movement toward a reconciled and just society

Abstract

The world watched South Africa's transition from apartheid to a democracy with an admiration for its perceived peaceful shift. However, Kaufman concurs that this transition was not peaceful and mentions that thousands of South Africans died during the fight for freedom from 1985-1995. 2 These deaths and other social injustices during apartheid resulted in trauma for individuals, families and communities. The lasting damage cannot be ignored. After the end of apartheid, South Africa was faced with the task of building an inclusive society, while also addressing the damage of the past. Transformation in terms of a transition from exclusion to inclusion in all spheres of life was required, and citizens had to find a new way of living together. 3 Therefore, the 1 Dr Marichen van der Westhuizen is chairperson of the Department of Social Work at the University of the Western Cape. 2 Stuart J. Kaufman. 2012. The end of Apartheid: Rethinking South Africa's 'peacefu' transition.