The commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the United Democratic Front’s (UDF) establishment is used as an opportunity to encourage active citizenry to improve life for all in South Africa, and put pressure on government to improve lives.
The UDF stopped its activities in 1992 with the dawn of South Africa’s democracy. Its birthday has, however, revived members to encourage citizens to “fight racism and inequality’’.
Trevor Manuel, former minister of Finance and one of the UDF’s founding members, said at a celebratory event in Kimberley’s City Hall on 19 August that officials and politicians must be held personally accountable if they do not fulfil their duties, and fail citizens.
Manuel says the Constitution should be amended to hold those in power accountable for South Africa’s failures.
“The UDF was most active during the state of emergency in the late 80’s and early 90’s. It was massively powerful, from which we must learn lessons. We were ambitious, militant, and determined to see a better life for all.
“It is not just words, it must be put into action. Today must be better than yesterday.”
He says democracy was not a gift, but an enormous sacrifice.
“People all over the country fell. To pretend now that democracy was not built on the backs and by the sacrifices of those who have gone before is the greatest injustice to the struggle.
“Democracy is baked into our Constitution, developed subsequently. It is part of legislation and the National Development Plan (NDP).”
Manuel says activism should be instilled to hold those in power to account.
“The quality of life has not improved. Go to your municipalities and constantly raise issues of neglect.”
William Steenkamp, Northern Cape coordinator of the UDF commemoration, says serious failures like the lack of service delivery affect people on a socio-economic level.
He says the water crisis in Kimberley is a good example of how infrastructure has deteriorated.
“It is not about fixing and replacing pipes and valves, it is the bigger picture that concerns. Citizens must be involved and take responsibility in all spheres in government.”
“We need to reintegrate our values to serve as a glue to keep us united in fighting a monstrous government. We have serious challenges with the ANC government. We are the most unequal society, we have the highest unemployment, rape, and murder statistics in the world. We have more murders in our country than in war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Syria and the like.
“The country is in a crisis, and we need to act now to improve our lives.”
