Despite the democratic progress achieved by South Africa over the last three decades, the country continues to face serious issues such as corruption, inequality, violence, and intolerance, which overshadow Nelson Mandela's legacy.
Calls for Civic Engagement
Representatives from the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, and the Active Citizens Movement issued statements ahead of International Mandela Day. They emphasized that Mandela Day should stimulate continuous civic participation rather than being limited to one-off acts of charity.
The government, via its website www.gov.za, appealed to citizens to dedicate their time and efforts to combating poverty and inequality, following this year's theme: 'Still in our hands to fight poverty and inequality.' This theme reflects Mandela's belief that every person can make a significant contribution to society by addressing issues of injustice and inequality.
Significance of the Annual Celebration
The annual celebration commemorates Mandela's life and legacy, encouraging people to spend 67 minutes volunteering, symbolizing the 67 years he dedicated to public service.
Gaopalele Phalaesile, current head of communications and marketing at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, noted that the focus must be on promoting the constitutional values of South Africans that defined the country's democratic transition. These values include human dignity, equality, freedom, accountability, non-racism, and social justice, which Madiba believed in.
Phalaesile acknowledged that while democratic achievements are important, substantial obstacles remain. She stated: 'The reality is complex. South Africa has made important democratic strides, but issues like corruption, inequality, violence, intolerance, and declining trust in institutions remind us that the work of building a just and inclusive society is unfinished.' She also stressed that Mandela's legacy is not a rigid plan, but rather an invitation to critically examine contemporary challenges and contribute to creating a more democratic, just, and humane society.
Concerns Over Democracy
Neshane Walton, Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, stated that Mandela Day should prompt honest reflection on whether South Africa upholds the principles of constitutional democracy. He noted that the country is drifting away from the core values championed by Nelson Mandela and his colleagues.
Walton pointed out that systemic corruption undermines democratic institutions and public trust, depriving people of basic services and weakening state structures. Furthermore, he expressed concern over rising anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobia, calling it a serious departure from Mandela's commitment to international solidarity and human rights.
Despite these concerns, Walton highlighted the resilience of civil society and the independent judiciary. He insisted that following Mandela's legacy is an active, ongoing struggle, requiring a shift from symbolic 67 minutes of activism to constant daily action against corruption and for building an inclusive economy.
Children's and Migrants' Rights
Members of the Active Citizens Movement executive committee, Yashika Padia and Dr. Nora Saneka, stated that Mandela always opposed blaming foreigners for the country's problems, advocating for human dignity and the rule of law. They reminded that in 1995, Mandela said that South Africa could not blame foreigners for its woes, as the historical policy of apartheid destabilized the economic development of neighboring countries.
Padia and Saneka expressed concern over the inhumane conditions faced by immigrants in South Africa, viewing it as contrary to Mandela's ideals. They also raised the issue of children whose families were forced to leave communities due to violence. They emphasized that the principle of the best interests of the child must remain central to state decision-making, referencing Mandela's signing of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Additionally, they reported on the barriers families face when seeking medical care in public facilities. Examples were given where newborns and young children fleeing South Africa were denied healthcare in hospitals due to documentation requirements, which they believe demonstrates a lack of moral and legal authority on the part of the government.
