A post-apartheid nation in chains? Relevance of Lucky Dube's "mickey mouse freedom" in reconfiguring forms of oppression in South Africa today

Abstract

The year 2014 marks South Africa’s twentieth year of democratic rule. Nevertheless, the legacy of colonialism and apartheid – in the form of socioeconomic injustice – continues to haunt the post-apartheid South Africa. In view of this injustice, particularly in terms of poverty and economic inequality, the claim that all black South Africans have been free since 1994 might be unfounded. As such, the main purpose of this article is to probe the conspicuous forms of oppression still present and, subsequently, to determine whether the country has indeed achieved freedom. Firstly, the contrasting stories of liberation since the transition to democracy are explored. Secondly, the tenor of liberation of Africans that is echoed in Lucky Dube’s song, Mickey Mouse Freedom, is employed as a lens to inquire whether the post-apartheid South Africa is still in chains or is truly free. As part of such an inquiry, the chains and effectiveness of the Christian church’s prophetic witness in the country are articulated. Finally, the author concludes that South Africa still needs to be liberated from certain forms of oppression.