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The Star
27-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
A time for honest reflection on South Africa's dream deferred
Herman Mashaba | Published 4 hours ago Former president Nelson Mandela smiles on April 27, 1994, as he casts his first vote at the polling station at John Langalibalele Dube's Ohlange High School in Inanda, near Durban, in South Africa's first democratic general elections. Freedom Day reminds us of where we come from as a nation, but it should also be a celebration of unity, says the writer Image: AFP As South Africans gather to mark our 31st Freedom Day since the end of apartheid, we do so with a mixture of pride, pain, and even trepidation. We do so with pride because, despite its imperfections, April 27, 1994, remains an indelible milestone in our country's history — a day when millions cast aside the shackles of apartheid to claim their dignity and their right to choose their leaders. And we do so in pain because the promise of April 27 has been betrayed over the decades through missed opportunities, broken promises, corruption, and a general failure of leadership. Looking back, I was 35 years old in 1994. Like so many at the time, I stood in one of the long queues that snaked for hours, my heart pounding in anticipation. I believed, as did millions of other South Africans, that our country was on the cusp of greatness. I truly did, and it was. We had the world's goodwill, a constitution that was the envy of many, thanks to its inclusive, progressive foundation, and a people united by the desire to build a just, prosperous, and inclusive society. But as I reflected yesterday, I feel compelled to ask: How far have we strayed from realising that vision? Economic Dream Deferred We all know that attaining political freedom was just the beginning. Even the architects of our democracy understood that true liberation would be incomplete without economic justice. Yet, three decades later, South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies on Earth. Unemployment, especially youth unemployment, is at crisis levels. Millions of South Africans live in poverty, their dreams deferred by an economy that works for a few, including the politically connected who managed to position themselves at the forefront of transformative efforts, while excluding the many. Let me be clear: the state our country finds itself in is not merely the result of global forces beyond our control or historic injustices that some would like to blame for all our troubles. It is the direct consequence of policy failures, toxic cadre deployment, and a state that has too often served the interests of politicians and their cronies rather than the people. Corruption's Tentacles Remain Embedded in the System Corruption has become the defining feature of post-apartheid South Africa. It has given fuel to the negative predictions of Afro-sceptics who warned that a black-led South Africa would eventually implode, just like many failed states elsewhere on our continent, due to greed, unethical leadership, and a lack of vision among those entrusted to lead. Billions have been stolen from the public purse — money that should have been used to build schools, hospitals, public infrastructure, and to educate our nation. The Zondo Commission — and similar commissions before it — laid bare the rot at the heart of our institutions, but accountability remains elusive. Too many implicated individuals walk free —including those serving as "lawmakers" in the corridors of parliament — their impunity a daily insult to the millions who struggle to survive. This culture of corruption has not only drained our resources; it has eroded public trust in government and undermined the rule of law. It has turned hope into generalised cynicism and bred a generation that doubts whether honesty and hard work are still rewarded in our land. Education was meant to serve as the foundation for equality and a ladder out of poverty, yet our schools remain deeply unequal, with township and rural children condemned to overcrowded classrooms, underqualified teachers, and a lack of basic resources. The failure to fix our education system is perhaps the greatest betrayal of our children's future. We have failed to equip them with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy, trapping millions in a cycle of dependency and despair. Missed Opportunities for Growth and Innovation Our country is blessed with abundant natural resources, a youthful population, and a strategic location. We could have become a continental powerhouse — a hub for innovation, manufacturing, and trade. Instead, we have chased away investment with policy uncertainty and endless red tape. Our infrastructure is crumbling, our state-owned enterprises are bankrupt, and many of our cities are plagued by decay, thanks to poor maintenance and mismanagement. Let us not deceive ourselves: the world doesn't owe us prosperity. We must earn it by creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, small businesses are supported, and hard work is rewarded. Instead, we have stifled initiative and driven many of our best and brightest to seek opportunities elsewhere. We Must Invest in Strong Social Cohesion Freedom Day reminds us of where we come from as a nation, but it should also be a celebration of unity. Today, our society is more divided than ever. Race, class, and political affiliation are often used to sow discord and distract from the real issues we face. We forget that our struggle for freedom was rooted in solidarity, in the belief that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. It is not enough to mourn what has been lost. We must act together — united in our diversity—to reclaim the promise of 1994. This must begin with honest, accountable leadership — leaders who serve the people, not themselves. We must end toxic cadre deployment and appoint the best people to run our institutions, regardless of their identity. We must restore the rule of law and ensure that those who steal from the public are prosecuted, no matter how connected or powerful they may be. Corruption is our number one enemy and must be treated as such. Involvement in corruption must be career-ending, not a stepping stone to higher office. We must invest in teachers, infrastructure, and curricula that prepare our youth for the jobs of tomorrow. We must unleash the potential of entrepreneurs by cutting red tape, protecting property rights, and opening our markets. Above all, we must rekindle the spirit of unity and shared purpose that defined our transition to democracy. As someone who grew up during apartheid, built a business from the boot of a car, and more recently entered politics to serve as an Executive Mayor of a major South African city, I know that South Africans are resilient, resourceful, and generous. I have seen, time and again, communities come together to solve problems when the government has failed them. I have also seen young people defy the odds to build better lives for themselves and their families. All of this gives me hope in our potential as a nation, despite the challenges we face. But I also know that we cannot afford another lost decade. The time for excuses is over. We owe it to the generation that voted in 1994 — and to those who will inherit this land—to build a South Africa that lives up to its promise. Freedom is not a gift that comes without obligations. It cannot be taken for granted. It is a responsibility that must be renewed each day through our actions and the choices we make. As we mark Freedom Day in 2025, let us not do so with empty slogans, but with a renewed commitment to justice, accountability, and a determination by each one of us to play our part in building a better, more inclusive South Africa. Let us also remember Nelson Mandela's words: 'After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.' Our journey is far from over. But with honest leadership, united purpose, and an unwavering belief in our individual and collective potential, we can still build the South Africa we dreamed of in 1994. As we move further into this new era of multiparty politics, let us work together, as we did recently in removing the punitive VAT increase, to build a future that works for all. * Herman Mashaba, ActionSA President
IOL News
27-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
A time for honest reflection on South Africa's dream deferred
Former president Nelson Mandela smiles on April 27, 1994, as he casts his first vote at the polling station at John Langalibalele Dube's Ohlange High School in Inanda, near Durban, in South Africa's first democratic general elections. Freedom Day reminds us of where we come from as a nation, but it should also be a celebration of unity, says the writer As South Africans gather to mark our 31st Freedom Day since the end of apartheid, we do so with a mixture of pride, pain, and even trepidation. We do so with pride because, despite its imperfections, April 27, 1994, remains an indelible milestone in our country's history — a day when millions cast aside the shackles of apartheid to claim their dignity and their right to choose their leaders. And we do so in pain because the promise of April 27 has been betrayed over the decades through missed opportunities, broken promises, corruption, and a general failure of leadership. Looking back, I was 35 years old in 1994. Like so many at the time, I stood in one of the long queues that snaked for hours, my heart pounding in anticipation. I believed, as did millions of other South Africans, that our country was on the cusp of greatness. I truly did, and it was. We had the world's goodwill, a constitution that was the envy of many, thanks to its inclusive, progressive foundation, and a people united by the desire to build a just, prosperous, and inclusive society. But as I reflected yesterday, I feel compelled to ask: How far have we strayed from realising that vision? Economic Dream Deferred We all know that attaining political freedom was just the beginning. Even the architects of our democracy understood that true liberation would be incomplete without economic justice. Yet, three decades later, South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies on Earth. Unemployment, especially youth unemployment, is at crisis levels. Millions of South Africans live in poverty, their dreams deferred by an economy that works for a few, including the politically connected who managed to position themselves at the forefront of transformative efforts, while excluding the many. Let me be clear: the state our country finds itself in is not merely the result of global forces beyond our control or historic injustices that some would like to blame for all our troubles. It is the direct consequence of policy failures, toxic cadre deployment, and a state that has too often served the interests of politicians and their cronies rather than the people. Corruption's Tentacles Remain Embedded in the System Corruption has become the defining feature of post-apartheid South Africa. It has given fuel to the negative predictions of Afro-sceptics who warned that a black-led South Africa would eventually implode, just like many failed states elsewhere on our continent, due to greed, unethical leadership, and a lack of vision among those entrusted to lead. Billions have been stolen from the public purse — money that should have been used to build schools, hospitals, public infrastructure, and to educate our nation.
IOL News
27-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Greed, poor leadership upends liberation dream
ANC president Nelson Mandela smiles on April 27, 1994, as he casts his first vote at the polling station at John Langalibalele Dube's Ohlange High School in Inanda, near Durban, in South Africa's first democratic general elections. On his right is former minister Jeff Radebe. Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu This year marks 31 years of South Africa's freedom from apartheid. The advent of democracy in 1994 was characterised by euphoria and ecstasy. This was expected, especially among those who had been excluded from voting. The apartheid regime used its 'divide and rule' strategy through what it called the 'Tricameral Parliament' which somewhat accommodated coloureds and Indians through the House of Representatives and the House of Delegates. It was only in 1994 that all South Africans of voting age cast their votes. There were high hopes and optimism about the future of post-apartheid South Africa. Among the anticipated changes were the creation of jobs, reduction and eventually ending of poverty, embracing racial equality, and many such developments. In a way, those who held such high hopes were vindicated when Reconstruction and Development (RDP) houses were built to ensure that South Africans had their dignity restored. Many jobs were created in the construction industry. On racial equality, all races were represented in parliament. Government policies such as Affirmative Action and Black Economic Empowerment were said to be geared towards ensuring racial equality. Phrases such as 'rainbow nation' 'nation building' and 'social cohesion' brought a glimmer of hope that South Africa was embarking on a new political trajectory. Over three decades later, the question becomes: how far have we gone as a nation in realising the goals of freedom? In other words. To what extent has South Africa's political freedom improved the lives of her citizens? Importantly, which factors have contributed to either the acceleration or stagnation of progress in various areas of life? Lastly, what is the way forward? In addressing these questions, it is important to begin with the positive developments. One of them is that on 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first black president – with Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk becoming the first and second Deputy Presidents respectively. Both the cabinet and the National Assembly included South Africa's various racial groups. It is correct, therefore, to argue that politically, South Africa experienced positive change. The new constitution (Act 108 of 1996) brought a glimmer of hope that South Africa was on a new political path. The many rights enshrined in Chapter 2 of the country's constitution left many South Africans convinced that indeed things were changing for the better. Whether these sections of the constitution were going to be implemented or not did not seem to bother South Africans. All they were excited about was a constitution which embraced the views of South Africans across the racial divide. On the economic front, the country showed signs of improvement. The global community also offered a helping hand to consolidate South Africa's nascent democracy. Private companies used this changing situation to invest in the country thereby creating job opportunities. On the academic front, the first Education Act was passed in 1997. This was followed by the reconfiguration of the higher education sector. Tertiary institutions were merged to reflect the changed political environment. At the basic education level, learners could now attend any school of their choice. Similarly, at the tertiary level, students could enrol at any institution of their choice without being forced to attend institutions reserved for certain racial and ethnic groups. Even in religion, the fact that South Africa was declared a circular state meant that no religious formation would be deemed better than others. This resonated with the 1648 Westphalia agreement which separated the church from the state. But if our freedom has brought so many good things, how come the lives of the people have worsened? Why do we still have the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality? Why is the level of crime so high? Why is our economy not growing? Why has our justice system lost credibility? Why is the country's education system said to be weaker when compared to other countries? Why is there rampant corruption both in the public and public sectors? These are some of the questions the country must wrestle with as it reflects on 31 years of freedom. I will only proffer responses to some of them without claiming to be prescriptive or conclusive. The main culprit is our political leadership. Politicians have ceased to put people first. Instead, they focus on their own needs. Secondly, factionalism has meant that these politicians operate along factional lines when they elect leaders or render services. The same goes for the prosecution of those implicated in wrongdoing. Depending on the faction one belongs to, the case either sticks or simply disappears in thin air. This is what has created fertile ground for corruption to thrive. By extension, this has delayed service delivery. Thirty-one years down the line, voter apathy has become a lived reality. The excitement of 1994 is gone as evidenced by recent voter turnouts in each election. Another factor is the electorate. Instead of voting for an idea, voters tend to follow individual politicians and political parties blindly. This has reversed many of the gains of our freedom. Thirdly, failure to implement legislation and policies has delayed development. Fourthly, the deployment of people with no requisite skills and knowledge has produced negative results for the country. The ANC's 'Cadre Deployment' policy is not wrong in principle. But when incompetent people are deployed, this takes the country backwards. Fifthly, after thirty years, South Africa's honeymoon is over. Countries that used to support South Africa financially have either reduced their support or ended it entirely. As the political leadership tries to find its feet, it has made many political blunders. A recent case is how both President Ramaphosa and Former Ambassador Ibrahim Rassool handled President Trump's political posture. Therefore, as we celebrate 31 years of freedom it is important to reflect on the road the country has travelled critically. There is no doubt that South Africa is better now than it was under apartheid. Equally, the country is not where it is supposed to be. Many things have gone wrong.
