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Exploring the legacy of apartheid: Tara Moore’s “Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa”
A journey through history and personal reflection
Tara Moore’s “Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa,” which opens the 45th edition of the Durban International Film Festival on July 18, is a profound exploration of South Africa’s tumultuous history. As the country celebrates the 30th anniversary of Black majority rule, Moore, a South African-born, U.S.-based actor and filmmaker, delves into the brutal past of her homeland. Her film examines the long journey from the colonial era to the birth of a democratic nation, highlighting the persistent inequality that continues to plague South Africa.
A personal connection to history
Moore was born in South Africa in 1986, during the final years of apartheid. Her parents, both academics, provided her with a unique upbringing that spanned continents. Her mother, a political scientist of Indian descent, and her father, a Canadian economist, raised her between South Africa and Connecticut, where they taught at Wesleyan University and Trinity College. This peripatetic lifestyle exposed Moore to diverse cultures and perspectives, shaping her understanding of South Africa’s complex history.
The move to Stellenbosch
In 1994, as South Africa prepared for its first democratic elections, Moore’s family moved to Stellenbosch, a historic town in the heart of Afrikaner nationalism. Her mother became the first professor of color at Stellenbosch University, and Moore was one of the first students of color at her private school. This experience was a stark contrast to the liberal American college town they had left behind, highlighting the deep racial divides that still existed in South Africa.
A unique lens on a changing nation
Moore’s frequent travels between the U.S. and South Africa allowed her to witness the country’s transformation firsthand. She observed the rapid changes taking place as South Africa transitioned to Black majority rule, providing her with a unique perspective on the nation’s progress and challenges. This dual perspective is evident in “Legacy,” which traces the run-up to the 1994 elections and the subsequent efforts to build a democratic nation.
Archival footage and interviews
“Legacy” features extensive archival footage from the apartheid era, as well as interviews with leading academics, activists, historians, and political figures. One notable interviewee is Wilhelm Verwoerd, whose grandfather, Hendrik Verwoerd, is considered the “architect of apartheid.” These interviews shed light on the brutal colonial and apartheid-era legislation that disenfranchised the majority of the population and laid the groundwork for the persistent inequality in South Africa today.
A people’s history of South Africa
Moore describes “Legacy” as “A People’s History of South Africa,” reflecting her desire to fill the gaps in her own education about her country’s past. She acknowledges that much of South Africa’s colonial and apartheid history was absent from the textbooks she studied as a child. By creating this documentary, Moore aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that have shaped modern South Africa.
The challenges of Black majority rule
Reflecting on the current state of South Africa, Moore notes that while the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is often blamed for the country’s problems, it is important to recognize the lasting impact of apartheid. She acknowledges the corruption within the ANC but emphasizes that the party did not create the existing inequalities. Instead, it has struggled to address the deep-rooted issues inherited from the apartheid era.
Hope for the future
Despite the challenges, Moore remains hopeful about South Africa’s future. She believes that the country is still in the early stages of its journey towards true democracy and equality. “Thirty years is a very short time for a country,” she says. “1994 was the beginning of our journey. It was the end of apartheid and white supremacy and racial domination, but it was the beginning of democracy. It was the beginning of a country.”
A reflective closure
As South Africa continues to grapple with its past and work towards a more equitable future, “Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa” serves as a powerful reminder of the long and difficult journey ahead. Moore’s film encourages viewers to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain, offering a nuanced and deeply personal perspective on a nation’s ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa.
