My Country, Right or Wrong
CEFR: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
Category: General English | Country & Culture
🌍 South Africa: A Nation of Contradictions
South Africa is a land of extraordinary beauty, rich cultures, and deep history. It is also a nation scarred by inequality, corruption, and violent crime. To understand South Africa, you must hold both sides of the story in your hands—the wrongs and the rights.
The phrase “My country, right or wrong” began as a toast by U.S. naval officer Stephen Decatur in 1816, later reframed in 1872 by Senator Carl Schurz: “My country, right or wrong; if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right.” Decades later, the Australian band Midnight Oil popularised it in their protest song “My Country,” which criticised political corruption and blind nationalism in Australia.
That message resonates deeply with South Africa today. To love this country is not to deny its failures, but to celebrate what is right and to work at setting what is wrong right.
🧠 Vocabulary Builder
Apartheid – system of racial segregation (1948–1994)
Biodiverse – containing many different species
BEE – Black Economic Empowerment
Braai – barbecue gathering
Brain drain – skilled people leaving a country
Load shedding – scheduled electricity blackout
Lekker – enjoyable, good
Rainbow Nation – nickname for diverse South Africa
Affirmative Action – policies designed to improve opportunities for groups who were unfairly excluded in the past, especially in jobs and education.
Reconciliation – the process of bringing people back together after conflict or division.
Restitution – returning something, such as land or property, to the person or group it was taken from.
Colonialism – when one country controls and settles in another country, often taking its land and resources.
Segregation – keeping people apart based on race, religion, or other differences.
Inequality – an unfair situation where some groups have more money, power, or chances than others.
Rainbow Nation – a nickname for South Africa that celebrates its many different cultures, languages, and people.
Emigration – leaving your own country to live in another.
Brain drain – when skilled or educated people leave their home country to work in another, causing a loss of talent.
Tender corruption – unfair or illegal awarding of government contracts, usually to friends, family, or political allies.
Load shedding – planned electricity blackouts used to reduce pressure on the power grid.
The Struggle – the fight against Apartheid in South Africa, including protests, activism, and resistance.
⚖️ The Hard Truths
Apartheid and its legacy
Between 1948 and 1994, Apartheid legally enforced racial segregation. Black South Africans were denied the right to vote, restricted to inferior schools and hospitals, forced into “homelands” or townships, and excluded from owning land in most parts of the country. Many could only work in low-paying jobs under strict laws. When democracy was achieved in 1994 under Nelson Mandela, the system was dismantled—but its scars remain. Poverty is still concentrated among Black South Africans, education outcomes remain unequal, and land ownership is still skewed, with most farmland in white hands even today.BEE and Affirmative Action
To correct these injustices, the ANC government introduced Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Affirmative Action. These policies aimed to increase Black ownership of businesses, provide more scholarships, and improve representation in jobs once closed off under Apartheid. While many have benefited, critics argue that implementation has often led to “tender corruption” (contracts given unfairly), enrichment of political elites, and frustration for ordinary South Africans who still face unemployment. Some white and Indian South Africans feel unfairly excluded, while many Black South Africans argue the policies have not gone far enough to uplift the poor.Corruption and politics
The ANC (African National Congress), the party of liberation, is now deeply associated with corruption. The Zuma years (2009–2018) were marked by the “state capture” scandal, where private companies influenced government decisions. Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, hopes of reform were high, but scandals like “Farmgate”—involving undeclared foreign cash found hidden in furniture on his farm—damaged his credibility. Ordinary citizens continue to face poor service delivery: potholes, electricity blackouts, failing water systems, and struggling schools and hospitals. Trust in government institutions is low.The EFF and hate speech
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, position themselves as radical challengers to the ANC. They demand immediate land redistribution without compensation and nationalisation of key industries like mines and banks. Their fiery speeches attract younger voters and those frustrated with inequality. However, Malema has faced repeated court cases for statements and songs referencing “Kill the Boer”, interpreted as incitement of violence against white farmers. To some, he is a voice of justice; to others, a dangerous populist deepening racial divides.Farm murders and violent crime
South Africa has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world, with around 20,000 murders annually. Within this broader crisis are farm attacks, often extremely violent and symbolic because they touch issues of race, land, and security. Although statistically small compared to urban homicides, these murders carry heavy political weight. For white farming families, they represent vulnerability and fears of targeted attacks; for others, they are framed as part of wider crime affecting all citizens. Regardless, the brutality of some farm murders highlights South Africa’s unresolved tensions around justice, safety, and land ownership.
🌞 The Brighter Side
Biodiversity and landscapes
South Africa is ranked the third most biodiverse country in the world despite being only the 50th largest by land area. It is home to around 10% of the planet’s plant species and about 7% of its mammal, bird, and reptile species. The Cape Floristic Region alone hosts more than 9,000 plant species, two-thirds of which are found nowhere else on earth. Tourists flock to the Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, the Drakensberg Mountains, the Karoo, and the Garden Route to experience nature in its many forms.Climate and lifestyle
With 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, South Africa is one of the sunniest countries in the world. The variety of climates means you can surf in Durban, ski in the Drakensberg, hike in the Cederberg, and stargaze in the Karoo—all in the same year. Outdoor culture is strong: weekends often mean a braai, camping, or sport.History and reconciliation
When Nelson Mandela became president in 1994, he promoted reconciliation rather than revenge. Wearing the Springbok rugby jersey and presenting the World Cup trophy in 1995 became a symbol of unity. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, allowed perpetrators of Apartheid-era crimes to testify, sometimes in exchange for amnesty, to help the country heal. This emphasis on forgiveness rather than retaliation gave South Africa a unique global reputation for peaceful transition.Sporting achievements
Rugby is the most celebrated, but South Africa is also a cricketing powerhouse and has produced Olympic champions. Sporting events are moments of rare unity: when the Springboks win, the whole country celebrates together. In 2023, South Africa became the first team to win the Rugby World Cup four times, cementing its place as a global rugby giant.Cuisine and traditions
South African food reflects many cultures:
Bobotie (Cape Malay spiced mince)
Bunny chow (Durban curry in a bread loaf)
Boerewors and braai (Afrikaner sausage and barbecue)
Umngqusho (Xhosa samp and beans)
Gatsby (giant Cape Town sandwich)
Chakalaka (spicy relish)
Vetkoek (fried dough filled with mince)
Koeksisters (sweet pastries)
Melktert (milk tart)
Biltong and droëwors (dried meat snacks)
Snoek braai (grilled Cape fish)
Amarula cream (liqueur from marula fruit)
South African English & slang
South African English is unique:
Robot (traffic light) reflects British colonial influence mixed with local phrasing.
Lekker (Afrikaans) expresses pleasure in a uniquely South African way.
Howzit (Zulu/English blend) reflects our multilingual greetings.
Eish! (from isiZulu/isiXhosa) captures frustration or surprise in a single sound.
Bakkie = pick-up truck
Howzit = greeting (“How are you?”)
Sharp sharp = okay, goodbye
Jol = party, fun time
Babelaas = hangover
Voetsek! = go away
Tekkies = sneakers
Ja-nee = “yes-no,” an ironic form of agreement
Braai (Afrikaans) is not just barbecue—it’s a national ritual that brings families and communities together.
Slang is a form of cultural glue. It shows how our languages have blended into something uniquely South African.
🧾 Must-Know Facts
HIV/AIDS epidemic
South Africa has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. About 7.5 million people are living with HIV (UNAIDS 2023). That is nearly 1 in 5 adults (≈19%). Thanks to widespread antiretroviral therapy (ARV) programs, over 5 million South Africans are receiving treatment—the largest program globally. Death rates have fallen compared to the early 2000s, but stigma and new infections (about 150,000 per year) remain challenges.Economy and “brain drain”
GDP growth has averaged just 1–1.5% per year over the past decade—well below the level needed to create jobs. Inflation usually sits between 5–6%, and the Rand is volatile, often weakening in times of political scandal or global shocks. High unemployment (officially 32–33%) drives many skilled professionals abroad, creating a “brain drain.” Estimates suggest over 900,000 South Africans have emigrated in the past decade, many being doctors, engineers, and teachers.Urban vs rural divide
Cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria have modern infrastructure, shopping malls, and global lifestyles. By contrast, in rural provinces (Eastern Cape, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal), many communities lack piped water (about 15% of households), proper sanitation, or safe roads. Healthcare is scarce in villages; rural clinics often face staff shortages. The divide between city and countryside is one of the deepest inequalities in the country.Land reform
Land ownership remains one of South Africa’s most contested issues. Around 72% of commercial farmland is still owned by white South Africans, even though they make up less than 8% of the population. Many Black families who were dispossessed under Apartheid are still waiting for restitution. Land redistribution programs have been slow, and in some cases, land handed over is underused due to lack of training, investment, or corruption. This fuels political tension, especially with the EFF demanding expropriation without compensation.Education inequality
Schools in wealthy suburbs (often formerly white-only areas) have world-class facilities, small classes, and high matric pass rates. By contrast, many township and rural schools have overcrowded classrooms (50+ learners), underqualified teachers, and little access to textbooks or technology. South Africa spends about 6% of GDP on education (one of the highest in Africa), but outcomes remain poor: in international tests (PIRLS 2021), 81% of Grade 4 learners could not read for meaning in any language.Healthcare divide
South Africa spends around 8.5% of GDP on health. The public system, serving about 84% of the population, struggles with underfunding, long queues, and staff shortages. The private system, serving mostly wealthier citizens (about 16% of the population), has excellent hospitals and specialists. Major health burdens include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), maternal health issues, and rising non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension).Energy crisis
For over 15 years, South Africa has suffered load shedding—scheduled blackouts due to power shortages. In 2022–2023, there were more than 200 days of outages. Eskom, the state utility, is plagued by corruption and aging coal plants. By mid-2025, reforms and renewable energy investment led to the first 100+ consecutive days without load shedding, but public trust remains low. The crisis has cost the economy billions of rand in lost productivity.International relations
South Africa is a key member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and often promotes a “non-aligned” foreign policy. It plays a major role in African diplomacy, mediating in conflicts, and is active in climate negotiations due to its reliance on coal. However, critics say South Africa sometimes prioritises political alliances (e.g., with Russia or China) over human rights concerns. It tries to balance ties with Western partners (EU, U.S.) while presenting itself as a voice for the Global South.
📝 Comprehension Quiz
True or False
South Africa has 12 official languages.
BEE and Affirmative Action were introduced after Apartheid.
The Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup four times.
All rural South Africans enjoy the same services as those in Johannesburg.
HIV/AIDS has been eliminated in South Africa.
Multiple Choice
6. Who founded the Cape settlement in 1652?
a) Julius Malema
b) Jan van Riebeeck
c) Oliver Tambo
7. “Bakkie” means:
a) Backpack
b) Small truck
c) School bag
8. Which sweet pastry is South African?
a) Croissant
b) Koeksister
c) Baklava
9. What does “brain drain” mean?
a) Emigration of skilled professionals
b) A medical condition
c) Lack of education in rural schools
10. Which global group is South Africa part of?
a) BRICS
b) NATO
c) EU
Answer Key: 1T, 2T, 3T, 4F, 5F / 6b, 7b, 8b, 9a, 10a
💬 Discussion Prompts
Which do you think affects South Africans more: corruption, crime, or inequality? Why?
If you could taste one South African dish, which would you try first?
Do you think rugby and sport can heal divisions between groups? Why or why not?
Should professionals who emigrate be encouraged to return? How?
🪞 Final Reflection
The phrase “My country, right or wrong” has carried many meanings over time. In 1816, Stephen Decatur used it as a toast to imply unwavering loyalty. In 1872, Carl Schurz reshaped it into a principle of responsibility: “if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right.” More than a century later, Midnight Oil turned it into a protest anthem against corruption and blind nationalism in Australia.
South Africa today stands at the same crossroads. Blind loyalty is not enough. True patriotism means protecting what is good—our resilience, our sport, our biodiversity, our multicultural spirit—and setting right what is broken—our corruption, our crime, our inequality, our hate speech.
To say “my country, right or wrong” in South Africa is not to excuse its failings. It is to embrace the harder, nobler task: to love this land enough to keep what is right right and to fight, every day, to set what is wrong right.
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