Reflecting on South Africa's Journey

This year’s Freedom Day, on 27 April, marks the 30th anniversary of democracy in South Africa. On this day in 1994, many South Africans voted for the first time in their lives in a democratic election. This historic day, marked the culmination of centuries of the struggle to liberate people from oppression and suffering, dispossession and exploitation, and from poverty and inequality. Since then, South Africa's Constitution has guided its collective efforts over the last three decades, to fundamentally change the country, and it remains at the centre of all efforts to improve the lives of many.

As we celebrate Freedom Day, we also take a look back to South Africa's democratic journey, central to its constitution, which is hailed as one of the most progressive in the world.

Constitutional Democracy

We explore the changes in domestic legislation, participation in international forums and how, in setting an example with its policies, South Africa has become an advocate for global human rights – one of which is freedom to choose who you can love and marry.

The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (2000) was a major step in protecting human rights, including the right to marry. It prohibits unfair discrimination and promotes equality. This includes the right to marry a person of any race, gender or sexual orientation.

South Africa has seen several landmark legal cases that have advanced the cause of marriage equality. In 2002, the case of Fourie and Bonthuys v. Minister of Home Affairs, challenged the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman. The Constitutional Court ruled that the existing marriage law was discriminatory and unconstitutional.

South Africa became the fifth country in the world and the first in Africa, to legalise same-sex marriage. The Civil Union Act, passed in 2006, granted same-sex couples the right to marry and afforded them the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.

The country’s stance on marriage equality has had a ripple effect across the African continent and the world. By taking a bold step towards equality, South Africa set an example for other nations to follow. It has actively supported efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights globally.

Economic Transformation

South Africa's journey over the past three decades has been marked by significant strides in economic empowerment, giving previously excluded groups access to opportunities and public infrastructure, particularly within the context of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises:

Some examples of successful SMMEs over the years:

? The Township Entrepreneur Alliance (TEA) is a network of entrepreneurs in townships across South Africa, providing support, resources and mentorship. TEA has been instrumental in helping township-based businesses grow and expand.

? MaXhosa is a luxury knitwear brand founded by Laduma Ngxokolo, showcasing traditional Xhosa designs. MaXhosa has gained international acclaim, showing how combining heritage with modern design can lead to global success. His story is not just about fashion but about preserving cultural identity through entrepreneurship.

? Khula is a digital platform connecting small-scale farmers to formal markets. Founded by Karidas Tshintsholo, Matthew Piper and Karidas Tshintsholo, Khula's impact on the agriculture sector has been significant. Their story showcases the potential of technology to empower small farmers and create more efficient, inclusive supply chains.

? DreamGirls Academy founded by Zanele Mbokazi in 2014, DreamGirls Academy is a nonprofit organisation that empowers young girls from underprivileged backgrounds through mentorship, leadership development and career guidance.

? Code4CT organisation aims to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry by providing girls from underserved communities in South Africa with coding and digital skills training.

Investment and Infrastructure Development:

? The Gautrain is a modern rapid rail network that connects Johannesburg, Pretoria and O.R. Tambo International Airport. Completed in 2012, this project represents a significant investment in infrastructure that has improved connectivity, reduced traffic congestion and stimulated economic development in the Gauteng province.

? Renewable Energy Projects: Strides in renewable energy development, with projects like the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). This programme has attracted significant investment in wind, solar and other renewable energy projects, contributing to both infrastructure development and the transition to a more sustainable and equitable energy future.

Social Progress

The nation has witnessed the expansion of essential services, a broadening of social progress programmes and a steadfast commitment to combating HIV/AIDS. Notably, South Africa now boasts the world's most comprehensive HIV treatment initiative, which has been instrumental in preserving countless lives.

The efforts to address historical education disparities have resulted in improved accessibility to schooling for many children across the country. The national government's emphasis on enhancing the quality of teaching and expanding basic education is evident through initiatives such as school feeding programmes and infrastructure enhancements aimed at breaking down socio-economic barriers to learning.

Diverse social welfare initiatives are being implemented to confront poverty and inequality head-on. The social grant system provides crucial financial support to vulnerable demographics including children, the elderly and individuals with disabilities. These grants play a pivotal role in alleviating poverty and enhancing living standards for millions throughout South Africa.

Youth and the Future

South Africa's democratic journey has seen numerous initiatives in youth empowerment. A few notable examples:

? Youth Capital is a youth-led organisation that advocates for youth-focused policy changes by conducting research, engaging with policymakers and running campaigns to address issues such as youth unemployment and the quality of education.

? Youth Employment Service (YES); a programme launched in 2018 to address youth unemployment, which remains a significant challenge in South Africa. By 2023, YES had created over 140,235+ jobs, in partnership with corporates across different sectors for young South Africans, providing valuable skills and boosting employability.

? IkamvaYouth; a non-profit organisation founded in 2003 that providing tutoring, mentoring and career guidance to improve educational outcomes and access to post-school opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

As custodians of the future, South Africa's youth and older generations, play crucial roles in shaping the country's democratic trajectory. The African proverb ‘Good actions are nourishment for youths, much more than words’, emphasises the older generations’ duty of leading by example and taking tangible actions, as young people learn and grow more effectively through observing and experiencing positive behaviours. Empowering young people through education, skills development and meaningful participation in decision-making processes is essential for building a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future.