Post Democracy, September 24 has been added to the holidays that South Africa celebrates. It is in many ways a fitting tribute to the many different types of people living in South Africa.
South Africa is the 9th most diverse country in the world. This is measured in terms of languages spoken, religions, ethnic groups, political parties, gender equality, personal freedom and right of speech. September has been designated Heritage Month as we also have the months for our Youth and Women. So, what does it mean to be proud of your heritage? Heritage is simple but can be very comprehensive to include upbringing from a personal point of view to include your cultural norms, traditions, and religion. In addition, if you are South African, we have a South African Heritage which includes our history, landscape, its nature, and its conservation. So, effectively, anyone who lives in the Republic of South Africa has their own unique identity and heritage. Thus Bishop Desmond Tutu, many years ago coined us the ‘Rainbow Nation’. In many ways, South Africa has a rich Diaspora of many people from various parts of the globe, including Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and more.
South Africans of Indian origin arrived on the shores of Durban, South Africa in November 1860. A lot has happened during this period, but what is certain is that the contribution of the SA Indian Diaspora is part of the fabric and the history of this country. From this community’s humble beginnings, be it indenture, struggles against all forms of discrimination, the fight to survive injustices, the mobilization to demand fair treatment, its nonviolent strategy, it’s role towards democracy, it’s role in the New Democratic Order, it’s caring and voluntary support to all South Africans, this community has been part of these campaigns. The role of the South African Indian Diaspora is significant and, in some way, may be considered exceptional when one considers the small percentage of Indians in the country as a whole. We must pay thanks to our forefathers, for making some of their achievements part of our DNA, our culture, our tradition and contributions not only to our families and friends but the community beyond South Africans of Indian Origin. We owe them that debt and the desire to serve and honour the past must continue. South Africa needs much of this contribution not only from this community but from all, to make our country work. Our democracy especially over the past 10 to 12 years, is not ideally what it should be. Law enforcement has become almost non-existent especially to the criminal syndicates. This has made us a crime ridden country with a small conviction rate. This has presented a fundamental challenge for many law-abiding citizens, who have become victims of serious crime and who have lost loved ones. Our economy has not grown significantly to offset the significant unemployment rate more especially amongst the youth. The gap between rich and poor has gotten wider. The poor have become poorer and more South Africans require handouts from government and NGO’s to survive. The erosion of governance, the unprecedented rise in corruption both in private and especially in government across all sectors is alarming.
So, what can we observe as we approach September 24?
1. Know your Heritage and see how best you can promote your Heritage in the context of Ubuntu.
2. Promote social cohesion among your school mates, college mates, colleagues and friends. Most importantly, respect each other’s differences and appreciate everyone’s unique identity.
3. Promote ethical principles and get to know our Constitution which promotes human rights, freedom of speech and non-racialism.
4. Encourage ethical behaviour amongst our children family and friends. Elect and promote ethical leadership and be part of solutions.
Happy Heritage Month to all South Africans.
– by: Murthi Sooboo
msooboo@hotmail.com
