Pretoria – Government is looking at developing programmes that will assist South Africans to heal from the injustices of the past.
“We will be discussing within government what programmes to engage in more visibly to promote healing in our communities,” President Jacob Zuma said.
Speaking during the commemoration of National Day of Reconciliation in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday, he said the government has done a lot to transform and rebuild South Africa but a lot still needs to be done to promote healing.
“The stories of life under apartheid appear to have been suppressed because we felt these would not promote reconciliation. We were wrong,” President Zuma said.
He said people need to tell their stories on various platforms -- in the media, in community gatherings, during national days and everywhere.
“We must tell the stories of bravery and resilience, of fighting a mighty apartheid state with almost nothing, and the triumph of good over evil,” President Zuma said.
He said white people who were forced to undergo compulsory military service or conscription and were deployed in townships as young people to defend and entrench an evil regime need to be able to share their stories so that they can find healing.
“Those who defended apartheid because they believed in it then should also share their stories to enrich the tapestry that is South African history.
“We should also tell the story of the non-racial struggle, of how many white compatriots joined the struggle for freedom because they believed in equality, justice, human rights and freedom,” President Zuma said.
Other stories which should be told include those of people who were part of the courageous movements such as the Black Sash, the End Conscription Campaign or Detainee Parent Support committees.
“We must tell the stories of Indian and Coloured compatriots who also waged relentless struggles to achieve a free South Africa and forgo the mini-privileges offered by the apartheid state,” he said.
President Zuma thanked South Africans for the attempts they have made towards the goal of achieving unity and reconciliation.
“We are still on the journey towards true reconciliation and a lot has been done by many ordinary people.
“Reconciliation must go hand in hand with healing. In the coming year, we should as a nation prioritise the promotion of healing,” said President Zuma.
In the New Year, government will also work harder to promote programmes for the youth such as the Bill of Responsibilities, which is designed to teach children that rights come with responsibilities. – SAnews.gov.za
