Now that the season of realpolitik is upon us in South Africa and the rainbow nation myth is receding we must ask ourselves whether we still need a framework of reconciliation that presupposes friendship across the races as an important and useful barometer of the health of the nation.

When dealing with stereotypes or ignorance about South Africa, I always resort to telling these ten truths about my beautiful country.

“It seems it is only black people’s responsibility to reconcile. We need to discuss this and deal with it head on.”

Black South Africans believe in equality for all, more so than any other racial group in the country.

Increased social discord in South Africa cannot be prevented by appeals to the “Rainbow Nation” myth. The time has come for a new foundation for a nation in which we can all thrive, together, as equals.

Can we still hold on to the idea of a Rainbow Nation, or is it “something for the oldies” and no longer relevant to young South Africans?

A recent study confirms that more than two thirds of young South Africans have a positive outlook for the future of race relations in the country.

It was the ultimate exercise in social politics and, for a brief time, it seemed to be working. Now it looks like South Africans have lost faith in Madiba’s vision.

After the last xenophobic attacks (April 2015) in South Africa, it appeared as if we as a country had moved backwards with respect to reconciliation since the Mandela era. Right wing whites such as Steve Hofmeyer and Sunette Bridges became more outspoken, while radicalism from the EFF side showed a similar hardening of position.

It has been an immense privilege to have witnessed firsthand such a historic time of great change. Despite the great challenges our country faces, I’m proud of far we’ve come. I’m humbled to have been a tiny part of the Mandela Miracle. I hope his leadership will continue to inspire us.