WE must never forget to celebrate the gains that we have made since that historic day of political liberation twenty-nine years ago in May 1994.
We have a Constitution that is universally admired, we can all proudly bring out our vote, and we have a democratic and vibrant political system wherein Opposition parties utilize every inch of the leeway that parliamentary rules and the law afford them – to keep the government on their toes.
Strides have been made with social upliftment and – in some cases – we have created excellent infrastructure. We have struggled, however, with the maintenance of that infrastructure.
In this context, and I paraphrase, we have to be reminded of our beloved Madiba, who said: “I dream of a South Africa at peace with itself.”
The tragic truth is that we are not at peace with ourselves, and here are some of the reasons why:
Government inexplicably disputes that it has a legal duty to provide certain services and infrastructure to its citizens. To ensure that there is no ambiguity I propose that our legislators amend the relevant sections and schedules of the Constitution to reflect that it is their duty to provide, amongst others, a stable, uninterrupted flow of electricity and water.
As things stand, we will be involved in endless litigation as to what Government’s duties are whilst those whom we should diligently serve are cold and hungry.
We are sadly, again, flirting with the seductive dangers of tribalism, chauvinism and racism. I am especially concerned at the signs I see of leaders seeking populist retreats in the cocoons of regional tribalism.
We seem to have shelved, in the interests of political expediency, the ideal of a rainbow nation in which we acknowledge and treasure the guiding principle that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.
I am reminded of the wise warning of Pixley ka Seme – who cautioned against the demons of racialism and aberrations of tribalism. It gives birth (he philosophized) to backwardness, ignorance and woes in many shapes and forms.
I share his views.
I recently advocated for a Government of National Unity to help us get rid of, amongst others, the cancer of corruption and other ills brought about by the sad spectre of a government dangerously disconnected from the vulnerable that they are supposed to lead towards a better life.
We need all hands on deck to turn around a ship that is heading towards treacherous waters. Instead of looking for enemies everywhere, we should be looking for friends, partners and ideas that challenge our outdated wisdom. In our diversity lies strength, not weakness.
I am convinced that one party cannot achieve economic growth, social cohesion and a better life for all on its own. We are in dire need of creative policy input and execution.
Your duty, as academics, intellectuals and students, is to speak truth to power, to challenge corruption, to expose lies and to come up with ideas to improve service delivery and stimulate jobs through a growth economy.
Do not allow anyone to ridicule your ideas or isolate your proposals because you belong to a majority or minority.
You have and are being given here the tools to peacefully shape a brighter future for generations to come.
Please use the opportunities presented to you. Be brave. Be bold.
I invite you to work with me to build a strong, vigilant civil society that is committed to creating a South Africa that we can all be proud of.
Let us not hesitate to reach across divides, take hands and do good.
Let us all start today.
*This is an edited version of an address by Dr Mathews Phosa to students at the University of North West. Phosa is the former Premier of Mpumalanga, ex-Treasurer-General of the ANC and an international business leader.
