JOHN THEKISO

Patriotism

by

John Thekiso

A patriot is a person who loves his country and its organisations, and who assiduously labours to promote its welfare. Patriotism exerts an ennobling influence on the minds of the people throughout the different developmental stages of their civilization, and creates among them a spirit of co-operation and mutual love which have the influence of accelerating their national progress.

The history of the world contains a long list of the name of patriots, whose glowing achievements act as a guide to the generations to come.

Prior to the commencement of the French Revolution, there had sprung up philanthropic societies in the Western countries of Europe--- France , England , etc.---whose aim was to labour for the aggrandisement of their respective countries by persuading their governments to grant political and social equality to all classes of men. The unbroken efforts of these organisations resulted in the establishment of democratic ideas of rule in Europe, and the manumission of slaves in the British Empire . South Africa has had patriots too, and most of these have helped to develop the progress of this country.

Civilized races manifest their patriotism by supporting the trade of their country, and by making the necessary reforms in its government, and education. Among the illiterate Bantu, bravery was considered to be the attribute of a patriotic man, as the national freedom and existence of a tribe depended upon the prowess of its manhood. During the days of Tshaka the Great, valorous soldiers were presented with “Victorian Crosses” scores of head of cattle, and thus being encouraged to marry more wives. The Bantu regarded anyone as being disloyal to the traditions, and institutions of his land, who did not evince deep devotion to its superstitions and religion. A tribe could only remain intact while the devil was the dictator. The spirits, the papers, and the Bantu were the dancers. Bantuland was a region of mysteries, and much still remains unknown about the ways of her people which may be of interest to us.

Among the Bantu, patriotism was based upon the fear of the inevitable results that might accrue from non-conformity to the religious beliefs of the nation. It did not originate from that sort of tendency which sometimes impels one to try and improve the social condition of the community in which he lives. For this reason, patriots in the true sense, were non-existent in Bantuland. Racialism seems to have been common amongst the different tribes, which for a long time was the fountainhead of the perpetual warfare in Bantuland till the coming of the white man revolutionised the order of things in South Africa .

The Bantu are today beginning to realize the benefit of working in harmony; they are organising their national progress on same lines; and are establishing influential religions, industrial, and educational organisations, which, with the sanction of God, will in time, enable this once benighted nation to attain a respectable place among the other civilised people.

Patriotism should not be allowed to degenerate into selfishness, and hatred for the people of the other races. Bantu children may be taught patriotism by reciting to them the lauds ( Izibongo ) of their eminent people.

The rehearsal of the national songs, and the stirring events of the history of the Bantu, will sow the first seeds of patriotism among our juvenile race.