Thank you for taking the time to respond, and for responding as you did. Yes, I too knew that Mr. Mandela would become president, and I did vote DP. Many of my white friends (older than we) were terrified by what this might mean and retreated into NP votes where they would not have done otherwise. I was sorry to see that happen.
What actually came to pass was far more wonderful and terrifying than any of us could have imagined. Although I watched it from afar, having repatriated to the US soon after the election, it excited me and gave me hope that SA might be a place my daughter would want to live when she grew up. And so it is. My 20-year-old is reviewing her options for continuing education and career, and UCT is on the short list.
As a foreigner entering SA society during apartheid, I shocked myself by absorbing the trappings of privilege almost reflexively. It was dangerous. I could so easily have become submerged in the casual racism that's still practiced. I'm glad my embryonic conscience developed as it did, although I wish it had happened sooner.
Message me if you want to reminisce about olden times. 
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