Life in Communist Angola from 1975 to 1992: A Personal Perspective
" "In this period, Angola, having just gained independence from Portugal, experienced a complex mix of political and social dynamics under communist rule. This article provides a detailed look at daily life during this era through the eyes of a middle-class child/teenager, offering insights into various aspects such as civilian freedoms, education, healthcare, and food scarcity.
" "" "Civilian Freedom and Political Climate
" "Life in Communist Angola was highly regulated when it came to civilian freedom. Unlike the U.S. or European countries, one could not freely express political opinions or criticism of the ruling party and government. Parents were often strict in disciplining their children from engaging in any form of political discourse, as it could lead to punitive measures or even imprisonment. As a youngster, I was completely forbidden to discuss any matters that had a political tone.
" "" "Education and Schooling
" "The educational system in Communist Angola was dominated by government schools, which were often of poor quality. Class sizes were large, with up to 60 students per class, which made it difficult for teachers to deliver specialized education. There were no laboratories or facilities for specialized classes, and discipline among school staff was lacking. While some diplomatic and foreign schools existed, they were not accessible to regular Angolans due to their high cost or restricted admission.
" "" "Healthcare Services
" "Healthcare in Angola during this period was also largely provided by the government, which meant that the quality of medical services was often subpar. Government hospitals were basic and sometimes provided limited treatment options. Foreigners had better access to quality healthcare through private clinics or hospitals, but for the general population, the healthcare system was insufficient to meet all needs.
" "" "Food and Rations
" "Food scarcity was a significant issue during this period. Food rations were heavily allocated by the government, and there were no fat people in Angola at that time, as food was limited. Those who were better off could occasionally visit special shops or shops that traded in U.S. dollars to get by. However, hunger was not a widespread problem in the cities, as almost every household had a ration card to ensure basic sustenance.
" "" "Travel and Exports
" "Contrary to what one might expect in other communist countries, travel within Angola and abroad was relatively easy. An exit visa was required, but there were no major restrictions on travel. However, obtaining foreign currency was a challenging process due to bureaucratic hurdles, which continued to be a persistent issue.
" "" "Consumer Goods and the Black Market
" "Locally produced consumer goods such as clothing, furniture, and household appliances were scarce, and consumers often had to travel overseas or work around the system to acquire these items. The black market thrived during this period, with bartering and the sale of goods becoming commonplace. My parents, for example, traded Russian vodka for fish or engaged in other schemes to secure household items in government outposts and sell them in the market.
" "" "Crime and Safety
" "Crime was relatively low in Angola during this period. The country had a general curfew from 00:00 to 05:00, which meant people were not allowed to move around at night. Although there were concerns about security, crime itself was not a major issue for the general population.
" "" "Transportation
" "Automobiles were not freely available. They were either handed out by the government or provided by employers to those in managerial positions or other high-ranking positions. Transportation was largely controlled by the state, which made private vehicle ownership difficult.
" "" "Conclusion and Reflections
" "Looking back, life in Communist Angola during this period was undoubtedly arduous. Our parents were heroes who managed to navigate the complex system and provide us with a quality education and care with very limited resources. Despite the challenges, there were moments of hope and resilience that characterized life in the country during those years.