Reconciliation: A question mark in post-apartheid South Africa. A reading of Zakes Mda ‘S Ways of Dying And She Plays With The Darkness

Abstract

The paper entitled „Reconciliation: A Question Mark. Reading, Zakes Mda‟s “ Ways of Dying” and “She Plays With the Darkness” attempts to examine South  African society during apartheid regime and the post - apartheid South Africa period using the literary works of Zakes Mda to strike a balance between  the apartheid era and post -apartheid era in south Africa. The state of reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa is a mirage. This is drawn from the fact  that political power bereft of economic power rolls down to no power, This situation has exposed the post -apartheid South Africa to a state of stasis  and groping. The structure which reduces human element in South Africa during the apartheid era to suppression, oppression and exploitation are still common in the present-day post- apartheid era. Hence the issue of reconciliation in South Africa to douse the effect and repercussions of the apartheid  atrocities is viewed to be a vain glorious night mare. This is so because apartheid is removed as a name but still remains in action. Post-apartheid South  Africa is still marked by massacre, joblessness, forced labour and human abuse in all ramifications of human endeavour and existence. Hence there is a  question mark in the reconciliation status and statement in South African politics.