CHARLENE SOMDUTH

GRANDMOTHER of eight, Karnagie Ambi Naick, was 44 years old when she voted in the 1994 elections and was hopeful for a better future.

Looking at the state of the country now, she feels all that Nelson Mandela fought for has been lost.

“Apartheid was a terrible time to live in. The segregation and the divisions between people, because of the colour of their skin, left non-whites feeling worthless and degraded,” said the 67-year-old of Phoenix, who has voted in every national election since.

“If we went to the park, we were not allowed to sit on the benches. We had to sit on the floor,” she recalled.

“We used to travel on trolley buses, similar to the Durban Rickshaw bus, and only white people were allowed to sit at the top, while the rest of us had to sit at the bottom.

“Everywhere we went, we were bombarded with signs saying ‘Whites Only’ ”.

Describing apartheid as a hurtful time, the former clothing worker said that when news of Mandela’s release from prison broke in 1990 she knew things would be different.

“I remember watching the pre-coverage news about the elections on television and listening about it on radio. It was strange to hear we could all vote no matter the colour of our skin.

“On election day, most workers were given the day off to vote. I went to the voting station at the Minority Front offices near the Phoenix Plaza to cast my vote.”

Naick said singing, dancing, laughter, happiness and hope filled the room and, although she waited in a long queue, it was worth it.

“I was convinced things were going to get better and they did. Non-whites had better opportunities. Our children got to study and make better lives for themselves. There were equal opportunities for all.”

However, for Naick, that ideal rainbow nation has been marred by corruption, bad leadership, chaos, racism and violence.

“Mandela fought against racism and we need to leave the apartheid mindset in the past. This is the downfall of our country. People want to kill the Indians, kill the whites, kill the blacks… For what?

“We protest violently and what is the reason for this? South Africa, for me, has lost the true meaning of freedom and what Mandela fought for.”