The year was 1994; Nelson Mandela was released from prison couple years ago, after spending 27 years in it. South Africa was preparing for General Elections for the first time.
White Supremacists, similar to KKK in the US did not want the elections, and a terrorist like Nelson Mandela(according to them) running the country.
Constand Viljoen, a veteran from the South African Army, who had the opportunity to hold multiple positions in Navy as well, was chosen leader of the “gang” that did not want to run the multi racial free elections.
Constand was himself an immigrant of Dutch origin, who had the will and charisma to raise over a million supporters and followers from just 15,000 men. Mind that these are not just followers, but a team of army men!
With elections in over just few months, this army was getting prepared with fullest strength and support to strike at the right moment.
Constand refused multiple negotiation requests from Mandela, and was so clear on what his agenda was.
And then something happens; Constand was convinced a war wasn’t required and helped in running peaceful elections, eventually changing the course of South African history.
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Constand and Abraham Viljoen were twin brothers. They lost their father early in life, and both were raised by same sets of principles, and teachings during the apartheid South Africa.
They turned 18, and due to financial issues, Constand the elder one decided to join the military, while Abraham went to pursue education.
Constand performed well in the army, gained a lot of support and respect from his peers, and raised into the ranks to head the army itself.
While Abraham made friends from people across countries, and got an opportunity to understand the history and oppression of the blacks.
Abraham went on to get a position in the SA government, where he was very vocal on equal rights.
In the due course, the brothers lost touch, and ended up not speaking for about 40 years.
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Constand refused multiple peace talks initiated by Mandela himself, but this time he had to accept, because it was from his brother Abraham.
Abraham convinced Constand for a meeting with Mandela.
One meeting led to another, and another, and after several rounds of talks with Mandela, that was held secretly even without the knowledge of the then president, Constand budges.
The rest as we know is history!
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Psychologist and researchers say “contacts” with diversified set of people(like say, sitting in a same classroom) will help understand the other side better, and reduce the prejudice between majority and minority group members.
It is easier to hate a person than to like someone. That is, hatred and bad is more easily accepted by us than good.
Rutger Bregman argues and convinces we human beings are “kind” by nature, and will remain kind. It’s the environment that we have created that is making us go on war, and do bad stuff.
Peace.