Unpacking the Complexities of Post-Apartheid South African Identity in Nothing but the Truth

Abstract

Responding to Nothing but the Truth Nothing but the Truth is a play that reveals some deep and hidden truths encountered by some South Africans before this great nation gained its freedom. It is evident that before South Africa gained its independence, some people were forced to go into exile, some died as they struggled with the colonizer, among other hardships. The play offers clear insight into what it takes to endure hard and painful life, the struggle with personal truth, and the reconciliation process's challenges. Since freedom brings in responsibilities like reconciliation, Zakes Mda views memory and identity as two factors that define one’s ability to come into terms with reality regardless of past hardships. Such abilities allow an individual to focus on the present and yearn to make the future better. In the introduction, Zakes Mda argues that “It is still necessary to talk about the past because the past will always be a powerful presence in the present …. We must never forget, but this does not mean that we must cling to the past, wrap it around us, and live for it. We only look back in the past to have a better understanding of our present. This is one of the greatest lessons of “Nothing but the Truth." Mda believes that memory and identity are closely linked since the past makes a defined story of the present individual. South Africans endured a lot of pain, agony, and hardship before their country gained freedom. However, with the emergence of independence, many thought that life would be better to find themselves in more pains upon recalling all they encountered to gain the so-called freedom. At this juncture, Mda defines the connection between memory and identity, emphasizing the need to use past experiences to make the current and future bright, thus making South Africa a better place for all. Zakes Mda's argument is well reflected in John Kani's play expressed through Sipho Makhayas's experiences. John Kani's play details the story of Sipho Makhaya, whose life is defined by hardship and pain. Based on the play, it is clear that the South Africans did not know what to do with the freedom they won. For this reason, Sipho’s story serves as a reflection of the experiences in South Africa of the Trust and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings. Sipho is struggling with his truth and the reconciliation process. With his family, Sipho struggles are within himself with his past, and worst of all, with his current situation in freedom, defined South Africa. It is evident that upon Themba's death in exile in London, Sipho's memories of the past problems between him and his diseased brother become defined to life again. Unfortunately, Sipho meets his niece Mandisa (Thembas daughter) for the first time bringing Themba's remains buried by his family. Memory and identity connection becomes defined when Sipho and his daughter Thando have a sitting with Mandisa and try to enhance family re-union through remembering their past. The three characters reveal and face family secrets, remember their past and manage their present relationships with one another regardless of the weight of their past disturbing experiences. The three-character embraces reconciliation as a responsibility that defines their current identities by treating their past experiences as strong pillars to define their current being, just as Mda argued. Besides linking the three characters' memories and identities, the story also offers insight into a defined history of South Africa's past, present, and future. Reconciliation remains among the greatest factors to consider when an individual or a nation wants to come to terms with the past and accept their new identities. As argued in the play, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) came as a strong bridge through which individuals paved from their past to their current identities without holding any grudges in their hearts. TRC is a body set up to enhance the process of dealing with major human rights violations that took place during apartheid. This body gave those victims of these human rights violations a chance to speak their hearts on their experiences. On the other hand, it gave the people who subjected the victims to harsh experiences a chance to tell the truth about what they did and seek forgiveness from those they offended. TRC gave Amnesty to those who committed major human rights violations, which enhanced relationships expressed by Sipho, Mandisa, and Thando....