Photographer Ryan Sobey created a photo essay of the march that took place in Pretoria, he called it the Recipe for Unity. His images are fantastic!
A NATION COMING TOGETHER
A common enemy creates friends. When Mandela took the reigns of South Africa in 1994, his approach to racial reconciliation centered heavily on dialogue, forgiveness and patience. During that period, as the country started to scratch the surface of the wounds inflicted by apartheid there grew a great hope based on the real potential South Africa held. Somehow the magic of those days has slowly slipped away, but now something wonderful is stirring 24 years in. People are coming together based on a shared vision for the country.
STANDING STRONG
On the 7th of April 2017, tens of thousands of ordinary citizens all over South Africa came together to march for change and unity. Many opportunities had existed prior to the 7th to galvanize all of South Africa into action without success, but finally everyone had a common enemy. Comrades stood with capitalists, boers (farmers) walked with bankers, #feesmustfall activists cheered with the elderly elite, black and white, young and old, male and female. For one moment, the country united under the same banner.
STANDING TOGETHER
Walking between the 20 000 people gathered at Church Square in Pretoria a different kind of energy fueled the crowd. Sure there was anger directed at the person who we were marching against, but more than that was the realization that the rainbow nation concept really is possible.
As the speeches from various political groups and social justice organisations rolled on, and where opposition parties are constantly vying for attention, political affiliation became irrelevant. On this day the people were one.
BEGINNING TO LISTEN
A common goal creates common ground. New friendships sprung up all over the Square. People began talking, but more importantly people began listening. One of the reasons South Africa has failed to previously muster this kind of multi-racial support for a cause was a lack of understanding bred from a lack of listening. Pathways to dialogue begin with friendships and community. There is no doubt that these new relationships will start to bring about change in South Africa.
WALKING TOGETHER
Uniting together, more than 20 000 people left Church Square and headed to the Union Buildings. Joined by thousands all over South Africa, they peacefully showed that change is coming to South Africa. There are many racial, ideological and economic differences yet to tackle, but after 24 years that great hope initially perceived is slowly seeping back into our consciousnesses.
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