Sue Williamson: Exposing Political Gaslighting by Trump and Musk in South Africa

Sue Williamson, a prominent South African artist, condemns the political actions of US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, which she deems as undermining South Africa’s credibility. Her retrospective exhibition emphasizes the historical struggles faced by the country and the pressing need for reform in land ownership and societal reconciliation.

For over five decades, Sue Williamson has utilized her art to address South Africa’s social issues, initially focusing on the apartheid regime and later probing the nation’s progress regarding reconciliation and memory. As she prepares for her first retrospective exhibition, Williamson has identified US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk as pivotal new targets for her commentary.

Recently, Trump issued an executive order to diminish aid to South Africa, alleging “unjust racial discrimination” against white Afrikaners, just as Musk criticized South Africa’s policies on his platform, X. Williamson contends that such actions represent an attempt to undermine South Africa’s credibility after the country accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians in a case brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Williamson indicates that Trump and Musk are attempting to paint South Africa as unreliable, asserting, “They’re trying to set it up that South Africa is not a credible country to bring such a case.” The ICJ had previously ruled in January 2024 to ensure that Israel refrains from committing acts of genocide, although it has yet to make determinations on prior allegations.

Ahead of her exhibition at the Iziko South African National Gallery, Williamson dismissed concerns regarding land expropriation, emphasizing that the process is thorough and necessary. She critiques the historical injustices stemming from the Land Act of 1913, which dispossessed Black farmers, arguing for the need for reform.

Recently, President Cyril Ramaphosa enacted legislation permitting land expropriation without compensation under specific conditions, aiming to address land ownership disparities. Despite government efforts and some successes in land redistribution since apartheid ended in 1994, research indicates that a significant portion of private farms remains predominantly white-owned.

Williamson began her art career while working as an advertising executive in New York but shifted to activism after relocating to South Africa in 1969. Her engagement with anti-apartheid efforts intensified following the tragic events of June 16, 1976, when police violently responded to student protests. She joined the Women’s Movement for Peace, advocating against segregation and supporting equal rights.

In the late 1970s, Williamson attempted to halt the demolition of informal settlements through peaceful protests and artistic expression. One notable creation, the Modderdam Postcard, faced censorship, drawing legal inquiries regarding its banning, illustrating the tension between art and authoritarian responses during apartheid.

Throughout the 1980s, Williamson continued to focus on the destruction of non-white dwellings, and her installation, The Last Supper, aimed to underscore the displacement of communities like District Six. Her retrospective showcases a new work designed to provoke thought about unfulfilled government promises concerning land and community restoration.

Williamson’s 2013 piece, There’s Something I Must Tell You, encompasses narratives from veteran activists to educate younger generations about the past. She expresses concern over misconceptions among youth regarding the apartheid era, advocating for awareness of historical contexts to inform present identities. Williamson recognizes a potential need for an updated exploration of contemporary perspectives among younger audiences.

Sue Williamson’s retrospective not only highlights the long-standing struggles against injustice in South Africa but also critiques recent political actions by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. As an influential artist and activist, Williamson continues to challenge narratives surrounding history and current events, pressing for awareness and accountability in society. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding one’s own history in shaping future identities and actions.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com