"South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white"

The phrase “South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white,” spoken by Thabo Mbeki, carries profound significance rooted in the country’s historical and social context. It stands as both a repudiation of apartheid-era divisions and a statement of collective ownership and inclusive citizenship. For much of the twentieth century, South Africa was characterized by institutionalized racial segregation, a system that privileged the white minority and excluded the black majority from political, economic, and social life. Mbeki’s statement directly challenges that legacy, advocating for a unified national identity that transcends racial barriers.

The assertion of belonging for “black and white” is a call to recognize the full humanity and equal rights of all South Africans regardless of race. It seeks to break the legacy of exclusion and dispossession by affirming that no group possesses a greater claim to the land or its future than another. The words embody principles found in the nation’s post-apartheid Constitution, which enshrines equality, nonracialism, and democracy at the heart of South Africa’s social contract. The phrase also acknowledges the complexity of identity in a diverse society, implying that citizenship and nationhood are not defined by color but by residence, contribution, and shared destiny.

Furthermore, these words are an invitation to reconciliation and mutual respect. Mbeki appeals for a vision of South Africa where historical wrongs are addressed not through reverse exclusion, but through integration and cooperation. By referencing both “black and white,” he recognizes past injustices but refuses to mirror them; he advocates for a future built on solidarity and shared responsibility. Such inclusive language aims to foster unity, healing, and nation-building, encouraging every resident to see themselves as stakeholders in the country's progress. The statement remains a compelling reminder of South Africa’s commitment to overcome its divided past and realize a future defined by equality and collective belonging.