The mistake the apartheid government made was they gave the black people nothing, so they had nothing to lose. But now a lot of the former freedom-fighters are big-time capitalists. They've been given directorships in every major company. They're billionaires!

In this quote, Wilbur Smith reflects on the legacy of apartheid in South Africa, arguing that the apartheid government made a crucial mistake by denying black people any resources, opportunities, or economic power. By leaving them with "nothing," the government unintentionally created a situation where the black population had nothing to lose, potentially making them more resilient and determined in their fight for freedom. Smith contrasts this with the post-apartheid era, where many former freedom-fighters have become capitalists, gaining positions of power in major companies and accumulating vast wealth.

Smith is commenting on the transformation of individuals who once fought for freedom and equality but have since become part of the elite class, with directorships and billion-dollar fortunes. He critiques this shift, implying that the revolutionaries, once focused on social justice and dismantling inequality, have now embraced the capitalist system they once opposed. This shift may be seen as a reflection of how political power and social changes can sometimes result in the concentration of wealth in the hands of those who were previously fighting for equality.

The origin of this quote lies in Smith’s perspective as a writer and observer of South African society. Known for his adventure novels set in Africa, Smith has often commented on the complex dynamics of politics, society, and economics in the post-apartheid era. His statement reflects a broader debate about the outcome of the post-apartheid economic order, where the benefits of democracy and freedom for black South Africans have, in many cases, translated into significant wealth for a few individuals, rather than widespread prosperity for the population.

Ultimately, Smith’s quote highlights the irony of the post-apartheid economic system, where those who fought for equality and freedom now find themselves in positions of power within the capitalist system. While economic transformation has occurred, Smith seems to question whether true social equality has been achieved, or if the wealth gap has simply been shifted, with a few individuals benefiting while the broader population remains economically disadvantaged.