Perspectives on National Identity: The Case of Emerging Intelligentsia in South Africa

After more than two decades since the general euphoria associated with the South African ‘miracle’, the ‘Madiba magic’ and the ‘Rainbow Nation’, it is necessary to take stock whether (and if so, how) the state succeeded in building a national identity. Such an identity includes cultural and ethnic identity and is a strong indicator of the level of cohesion or polarisation in a country. The purpose of this article was to reflect on findings of an empirical survey about the status of national identity conducted among the ‘emerging intelligentsia’ of society. These are young, educated people, represented in this case by undergraduate students at the North-West University. The study determined to which extent they perceive and experience national identity. The factors were identified that enhance or constrain a common national identity. The results highlighted the main elements that hamper the development of a unified South African identity. Among these elements are one culture’s perceived supremacy over another, cultural exclusiveness, cultural inequality, and limited equal opportunities for prosperity.