Symbols, Symbolism and the New Social Order

Abstract

In South Africa, there has been importance, and increasing use, of symbols and symbolism in the postapartheid social formation, both as a nation-building strategy and as a reminder to the people of the hegemonic mantle the current ruling dispensation wields. This is done through apotheosis of certain leaders to demigod status, erection of monuments, memorialization of “sacrifices” of the liberation struggle, which are apportioned to one political party and a single set of leadership. The nation and its associated phenomena, nationalism, the nation state, national symbols, histories and so on are based on social engineering, which is deliberate and always innovative.