Emfuleni Local Municipality Executive Mayor Hassan Mako has urged South Africans, particularly young people, to reflect on the key milestones in the country’s democratic journey and use dialogue to deepen social cohesion, strengthen nation-building and foster a shared national identity.
“By talking to each other honestly and openly about our history and shared freedom, we can build greater social cohesion and common understanding. Nation-building is a journey, and we must continue to nurture, protect and defend it. Let us stand firmly against racism, racial discrimination and related intolerance in all their forms,” Mako said on Friday.
The Mayor was addressing young people in Vanderbijlpark during the Milestones of Freedom Provincial Launch, which commemorated those who lost their lives in the Boipatong massacre on 17 June 1992.
“Today, we gather on sacred ground. We stand in a place whose very name means a place of shelter or a place of hiding. On this day, 34 years ago, this place of shelter became a place of unspeakable horror.
“On the night of 17 June 1992, approximately 300 men descended on the community. They came with pangas, axes and guns. They came with military-style coordination.
“They came not as soldiers of a fallen army, but as instruments of a regime that refused to let go of power. In one brutal night, 45 people, including women, children and the elderly, were killed. Pregnant women were not spared. Unsuspecting babies were not spared from the bullets and spears,” Mako said.
He said remembering the heroic struggle of the people of Boipatong is about more than recalling a tragedy.
“It is to honour the heroic struggles of the people of Boipatong and the sacrifices they made. The Milestones of Freedom campaign gives South Africans from all walks of life an opportunity to reflect on our historic journey and what it means to live in a democratic South Africa,” the Mayor said.
This year marks several significant and defining milestones in South Africa’s democratic journey, including the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution; the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprisings; the 70th anniversary of the anti-pass campaign; and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.
These landmark events reflect the long struggle for democracy and freedom, while underscoring the journey toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
The campaign also signals the government’s commitment to building on democratic gains and accelerating service delivery to communities.
Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court Manager Teboho Motloenya also called on young people to understand the Constitution and its values as South Africa marks the 30th anniversary of its adoption and signing.
South Africa’s Constitution represents the culmination of decades of struggle against oppression and injustice.
“As young people, you should appreciate that those who passed on did so that you could have opportunities, receive the education you need, enjoy the freedom you have, and not misuse it,” Motloenya said.
He said the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education and the South African Human Rights Commission, annually hosts the National Schools Moot Court Competition to help schoolchildren understand the Constitution and its values.
“The significance of the Moot Court is that it helps young minds understand and acknowledge that education is a very important tool for enhancing learning.
“Without education, you may think you will succeed, but your mind may not be as sharp as that of someone who has studied. We are not only inviting you to the Department of Justice to learn how the Constitution was developed, but also to understand how it is implemented,” Motloenya said. -SAnews.gov.za
