African Transformation Movement demands government action on unresolved issues from Sharpeville Massacre

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, addressed the Special Investigating Unit for Truth Commission (TRC Cases Inquiry) on Friday, which is investigating alleged political interference in matters related to the TRC.

Mmamoloko Kubayi provided an encouraging report on the ongoing compensation payments to apartheid victims. Speaking to the TRC Cases Inquiry, chaired by Judge Sisi Hampepe, Kubayi highlighted the significant work of the President's Fund, which aims to provide vital support to those affected during South Africa's dark period in history.

During her address to the TRC Cases Inquiry, which examines allegations of political interference in TRC investigations, the minister confirmed that 'Compensation for apartheid victims is provided in the form of lump-sum payments, medical aid, basic and higher education, housing assistance, and other forms of social support.'

She stressed that this multifaceted approach continues to meet the urgent needs of people and families affected by past atrocities, especially those who were displaced and traumatized during the violent struggle against the apartheid regime.

The Minister also drew attention to specific cases of suffering, such as in the Ndvedwe community, where violence led to significant population losses and the displacement of women and children. She assured that assistance had been provided in these instances.

Among the initiatives within the compensation system is the Gallows Project, which is dedicated to the remains of activists executed by the apartheid government. Kubayi explained that 'the apartheid government killed several of our activists, hanging them without any justification.'

She specified that this project was launched so that families, particularly in African culture, could finally receive the remains of their loved ones for proper burial. The Minister confirmed the completion of the project, reporting the successful reburials, which helps create a narrative that brings peace to grieving families.

The Minister also affirmed the independence of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), stating: 'I emphasize that the NPA is an independent body.'

Kubayi's testimony followed critical statements from former TRC members, including Piers Pigou and Jasmine Suka, both of whom spoke about government shortcomings in handling TRC cases. Pigou particularly condemned the lack of coordination between various state departments, which, in his view, hindered the diligent handling of these historical cases.

Suka amplified this situation by raising issues related to an agreement made by high-ranking police officials concerning the controversial poisoning of Reverend Frank Chikane. In light of these revelations, the inquiry chairperson, Judge Sisi Hampepe, faces a serious task of rectifying past mistakes and ensuring justice for victims and their families.

Considering a broader range of issues in the prosecution of apartheid-era crimes, retired Lieutenant General Johan de Beer expressed concerns on Wednesday regarding potential conflicts of interest arising from the involvement of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in investigations involving former employees. Since some involved in serious human rights violations are still within the ranks of SAPS, the need for independent and thorough investigations has become evident.

Kubayi's concluding remarks movingly reflected the ongoing difficulties faced by victims' families, many of whom are still seeking solace. She lamented: 'We cannot find peace as a family if the remains of our loved one are not where they should be with their ancestors.'

The commission, which was postponed until Tuesday, August 11, will continue to hear testimony from various participants when it resumes its sessions.

The concept of Ubuntu, meaning 'my humanity is inextricably bound up with yours,' was often recalled by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity. Nelson Mandela's words that no one is born hating another person because of their skin color, background, or religion remain relevant today, as South Africa transitions to democracy.

South Africa is currently at a critical juncture as migrants and refugees face threats, intimidation, and uncertainty. Families are forced to leave their homes, and small businesses that supported the economy of settlements are closing down. Children are interrupting their education, and many innocent people live in fear, confined, afraid to go out into the streets where they once lived and worked peacefully.

By supporting calls for a response based on Ubuntu, constitutional democracy, and universal human values, one of the founders of the Ubuntu Humanistic Values Protection Group insists that this challenge must be addressed with wisdom, not anger; with justice, not revenge; with courage, not silence.

It is acknowledged that South Africans have legitimate concerns related to high unemployment, rising crime, poverty, corruption, inefficiency of public services, and weak immigration management. These problems require serious attention from the government and cannot be ignored. However, the other truth cannot be ignored either: collectively blaming migrants for national problems does not create jobs or reduce crime rates.

Such accusations merely redirect public anger onto vulnerable people who themselves are often victims of conflict, economic collapse, or political instability. When any community is persecuted because of its nationality or place of origin, the moral fabric of the nation weakens.

History demonstrates an important lesson: during the long struggle against apartheid, many African countries opened their borders to South African exiles, accepting movements for liberation, educating youth, and supporting freedom fighters when the rest of the world turned away.

Despite the need to respect this legacy, it does not mean ignoring the rule of law. Every sovereign nation has the right and duty to manage its borders effectively, and immigration laws must be enforced fairly. Individuals who commit crimes, regardless of nationality, must be held fully accountable under the law, just like corrupt officials who facilitate illegal activities.

However, there is a profound difference between ensuring legality and allowing vigilantism. Justice must be administered in courts, not on the streets. No individual or group has the authority to intimidate, attack, or collectively punish others solely because of their foreign citizenship. Such actions undermine the Constitution, erode trust in the law, and diminish the values upon which democratic South Africa was founded.

The economic consequences are also significant. The settlement economy depends on networks of suppliers, traders, and entrepreneurs from various segments of society. Agriculture, construction, hospitality, and other sectors have long depended on migrant labor. Disrupting these links harms not only migrants but also South African workers, consumers, and businesses. Social instability deters investment and damages South Africa's standing in Africa and the global community.

Swami Sivananda taught humanity through four simple yet profound words: 'Love all. Serve all.' He reminded us that we are not merely physical beings divided by race, nationality, or language, but spiritual beings sharing a common Divine source. Service to humanity is service to God. Love that excludes is not true love.

Mahatma Gandhi shared this view, noting that the measure of civilization is how it treats its most vulnerable members. Compassion is not weakness, but moral strength. The main enemies of South Africa are not migrants, but poverty, unemployment, inequality, corruption, crime, and poor governance. These battles require our collective effort, and they can be overcome by building effective institutions, creating jobs, strengthening ethical leadership, and promoting regional cooperation in South Africa.

Ubuntu calls for recognizing our shared humanity while demanding accountability. It urges rejecting hatred without abandoning justice, and encourages dialogue where others seek division. Silence in the face of suffering is never neutral; every person of conscience has a duty to speak when innocent people live in fear because of who they are or where they come from.

The vision of South Africa conceived by Nelson Mandela was never a country of fear, exclusion, or scapegoating. It was a nation where diversity served as a source of strength, where the Constitution protected the dignity of every person, and where Ubuntu guided the national conscience. This vision remains achievable.

It is necessary to reject xenophobia without disregarding legitimate societal concerns. Immigration management must be strengthened while protecting human dignity. The law must be upheld without abandoning our humanity. Above all, we must remember that the true test of Ubuntu lies not in how we treat those who are like us, but in how we treat those who are different from us. For by protecting the dignity of the stranger, we preserve the dignity of South Africa itself.

Local municipalities in South Africa are experiencing a deep crisis: there are issues with water supply, sewage, road surfaces, electricity reliability, waste accumulation, and widespread corruption. These difficulties are the daily reality for millions of citizens who have been awaiting the realization of democratic promises for over three decades.

The 2026 Elections as a Critical Juncture

Consequently, the upcoming local elections in 2026 are viewed as a critical moment. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has labeled this situation 'Victory or Death,' emphasizing the lack of compromise options. Either communities must restore their municipalities as tools for development and dignity, or the decline will continue, turning local governance into a permanent zone of oblivion and exploitation.

EFF's Proposal as an Alternative

EFF positions itself as the only progressive and revolutionary political force possessing both the political will and practical experience to overcome the severe decline of local self-governance. This stance is reflected in the Manifesto for the 2026 local elections. Over ten years, EFF members have operated within the system they seek to transform, exposing corruption, dismissing mayors, ensuring permanent employment, expanding free basic services, repaying the poor's debts, building clinics and dams, and protecting communities from neglect.

Examples of Work and Opponents' Criticism

In municipalities such as Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, and many others, EFF has demonstrated the possibility of different governance, even without holding an absolute majority. Critics point out that the ANC, DA, and IFP parties controlled the majority of municipalities for a long time, showing results in the form of embezzlement, debt, enrichment of consultants, and service delivery failures. Reports by the Auditor-General on billions wasted and destroyed infrastructure are considered a consequence of policies that view municipalities as centers of patronage rather than development.

Key Provisions of the EFF Manifesto

The 2026 Manifesto focuses on practical and measurable commitments regarding the core issues of local governance. Land and the agricultural economy are central: EFF municipalities will cease selling municipal land and will use expropriation powers to provide abandoned land to youth, agriculture, and public needs. Plans include developing localized land reform plans, concluding agreements with traditional leaders, creating municipal markets and abattoirs for emerging farmers, and creating at least 500 jobs for youth in every municipality through micro-irrigation projects.

Social Guarantees and Internal Restructuring

Ensuring free basic services and protecting the underprivileged is non-negotiable. Eligible households will be automatically registered for free water, electricity, sanitation, and waste removal within 90 days of the EFF administration taking office, and historical debts of the poor will be written off. Support will be provided for small and medium-sized enterprises, as at least 80 percent of municipal spending will be directed towards supporting local SMEs, cooperatives, and businesses in settlements.

EFF plans to abandon the model of tenders and brokers, implementing internal production. Within two years, EFF municipalities will begin directly hiring staff for security, cleaning, waste collection, and maintenance. Transparent procurement and digital systems will be introduced, and jobs will be distributed so that at least 40 percent of municipal employment and 50 percent of procurement go to youth.

Healthcare, Energy, and Infrastructure

In healthcare, provisions include extending clinic operations to 12-hour and 24-hour regimes where necessary, as well as introducing mobile medical units and engaging community workers into the municipal staff. At least 50 percent representation of women will be ensured in leadership, management, and procurement. Energy, water, and sanitation are viewed as public goods, not profit sources; for example, additional charges on prepaid meters will be discontinued, and technical teams will resolve power outages within one hour.

Illegal toilets will be eliminated, and illegal dumpsites will be curbed through the Andries Tatane campaign and the integration of waste collectors into official systems. In housing, plans will be implemented to address housing shortages, formalize informal settlements, and repurpose occupied buildings. Priority will be given to road maintenance, stormwater drainage systems, and public transport.

Financing and Call to Action

Financially, EFF will continue to fight in parliament for increasing the share of local governments in national revenue from the current approximately 9% to 15%. Technical oversight units will be established to monitor grant funds. EFF asserts that other parties have failed, whereas EFF offers a revolutionary plan for recovery. Citizens are urged to vote for the Economic Freedom Fighters in the 2026 local elections and register to vote between August 1 and August 2, 2026.