Are South Africans united?

As South Africans commemorate 30 years since the historic Soweto uprising of 1976, is South Africa really a rainbow nation and what role does it play in the rest of Africa?

On 16 June 1976, the black school children of the South African township of Soweto took to the streets in protest at the apartheid regime's plans to teach them in the Afrikaans language. Dozens of children were shot dead by the police, sparking riots throughout the country.

The Soweto riots are seen as a turning point in South Africa's struggle to end apartheid. Over the years many African countries, including frontline states such as Zambia and Tanzania, also sacrificed a lot to help establish black majority rule in 1994.

Is South Africa really a rainbow nation? What is it like living there 30 years after the Soweto uprising? Do you remember the Soweto uprising? What role does South Africa now play in the rest of Africa? Is South Africa giving back to the rest of Africa in return for the sacrifices they made? Or is it merely dominating?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

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Your comments:

South Africa has come a very long way since 1976, but unfortunately many South Africans still need to shift their attitudes toward one another to rebuild this beautiful country.
Pierre Yardin , London (ex SA)

The greatest thing about being South African is being part of a history. A love for my country and a feeling of patriotism that I did not feel 15 years ago.
Ruud Sulayman, UK

"More whites need to get involved in building this new South Africa rather than running away to other nations like Australia and Europe!"
Jason, London, England

The hard won freedom in South Africa will remain meaningless until black majority control the means of production though both public and private enterprises. South Africa is paying back to the rest of Africa. For example it competes with Egypt as the leading investor in my country, Uganda.
Ahmed Kateregga Musaazi, Kampala, Uganda

The more things change the more they stay the same! Apartheid South Africa was not about black and white but rather about who held economic power. The blacks may be in power but without the economic power the whites have, there is little they can do to change the country. More whites need to get involved in building this new South Africa rather than running away to other nations like Australia and Europe!
Nico, Australia

The residue of our past cannot be wiped clean in a few short years. As someone who spent two conscripted years of his life 'protecting' South Africa from the 'influence of the Russians and Cubans' in Angola (as PW Botha put it), I can only but say that not enough of the previously privileged few white south Africans have come to the rainbow party. Desmond Tutu raised this issue recently, much to the consternation of many of our citizens. One only has to journey into the hinterland to find racism alive and kicking . . . yet the youth give us massive hope. True economic empowerment, and not mere lip service to BEE principles, will take a generation.
Peter Bosman, Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa is a great example of reconciliation, forgiveness, democracy and hope for the African continent. I moved to South Africa in 1999 from Cameroon and I have seen this country change before my eyes. Everyday that passes clearly shows improvement in many aspects. We are seeing how great it is to accept each other and live side by side for the good of Humanity (that is so African!). Democracy in South Africa has meant dream for other African countries; Peace deals all over the continent, jobs creation with multinationals.
Abdul Noutcha, Johannesburg, South Africa

30 years from 16th of June 1976, we have show that it wasn't all in vain Neliswa Mhlongo, Slough, South African

We have a very diverse cultural background and i say this because we acknowledge all cultures (black & white). By this we have united in a way no-one thought possible. This is what has made us one of the most successful country in Africa. We have become a strong force because we buried our difference regardless of our past. 30 years from 16th of June 1976, we have show that it wasn't all in vain.
Neliswa Mhlongo, Slough (South African)

I think South Africa has came a long way and is continuing to become a stronger and happier nation.
Kevin, Perth, Scotland

South African is indeed a rainbow Nation and blacks of South Africa should be commended for their role in ending apartheid. Well done Students of South Africa more especially All African Students Union.
Kwaku Sakyi Danso , Accra Ghana

I wasn't alive during the '76 uprising, but as a youth leader I can state my views about the united youth of South Africa. They are the most united bunch of people you'll ever meet. Interracial relationships are a common sight at schools. The culture among the youth is one that adults of the world should be jealous of!!!
Anthony, Pretoria

I think SA has achieved much in a short period of time, however still needs to improve. We have a lot of socio-economic problems that needs to be addressed. Not everybody in this country is willing to contribute to alleviating the problems facing this country. We have political freedom, but much of our economy is still dominated by a few which makes real unity difficult
Chris, South Africa

The end of apartheid was only ever going to bring immediate political emancipation. Economic emancipation, which was the essence of the struggle against apartheid, will remain an illusion for many years to come.
UE, Kent, UK/Nigeria