Expressing our democratic freedom

Sixty years later, we can claim to live in a free and democratic society. We have challenges, certainly, but we are essentially a free people living in a country that belongs to us all.

What is significant and must not be forgotten is that democracy is essential for the protection and preservation of a culture of human rights. As we contemplate the recent, and sometimes turbulent happenings in our country, this becomes quite pertinent. And even more important though, is not to forget those who laid their lives down so that we could proclaim; "free at last."

A living democracy

South Africa's brutal history has equally bequeathed a rich and glorious democracy upon our country and its people. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights are often described as some of the most progressive documents in the world - not an insignificant accolade for as young a democracy as ours.

However, our democracy is a multifaceted concept and central to our strong human rights culture comes the weight of responsibility.

Twenty one years later, it is clear that our democracy is firmly entrenched in our country. There is a common understanding of what democracy means and what rights are bestowed on individuals as a result of this democracy.

What must now be asked is how we express these democratic freedoms? What is our individual and collective responsibility to ensure the responsible exercise of these freedoms? South Africa has often been cited as a praiseworthy example of the resilience of the human spirit and the power to rebuild a nation fragmented by a torturous history. The nation building project though is a long process that takes many years and constant re-evaluation of how far we have come.

We should not lose such remarkable qualities of our nationhood as we seek to express our democratic freedoms. South Africa, even after 20 years of democracy, remains a country in transition. We are in the midst of something referred to as a living democracy - which is simply one that is being forged in relation to new realities.

Respecting each other's rights

With rights come responsibilities. It is up to every South African citizen to ensure that we respect one another's rights. Having the right to freedom of speech for example does not mean we have the right to defame, insult or hurt others with our remarks.

I have often felt that South Africa's democracy and human rights culture can be succinctly described by the term "Ubuntu." This uniquely South African concept, loosely translated, means "humanness" and describes the reality that we are who we are because of the efforts of those who have come before us. If all South Africans displayed "Ubuntu" in our interactions with each another we would be able to address issues of intolerance at various levels and foster social cohesion.

The history of our country makes it incumbent upon each of us to work to honour and respect our democracy and strengthen our culture of human rights.

As the founding father of our democracy once said "the sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement". Indeed we have a responsibility to work hard at safeguarding our democracy, our hard won freedom and the inherent respect for the human rights of others, that is the cornerstone of our progressive constitution. Our past, our future and the generations to follow deserve to inherit a culture where our diversity is indeed our greatest asset.