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The Star
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
The Freedom Charter at 70: A vision betrayed by the ANC?
As South Africa marked the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter, leading voices in South Africa have raised concerns about the ideals enshrined in the nation's founding document, having been hollowed out, replaced by elite-driven agendas and systemic failures that threaten to undo the progress made in the liberation struggle. Seventy years ago, in the dusty streets of Kliptown, Soweto, the African National Congress (ANC) and its allies adopted the Freedom Charter - a bold , inclusive blueprint for a democratic South Africa rooted in the principles of equality, shared wealth, and social justice. The Charter was born from a comprehensive, cross-class, and cross-race consultative process. It embodies millions' hopes for a free, fair, and united nation. Today, as South Africa marks this significant milestone, critics argue that the ANC has drifted far from those foundational ideals, betraying the very values that inspired the struggle against apartheid. The Freedom Charter articulated a vision where 'the people shall share in the country's wealth,' land would be shared among those who work it, and poverty, unemployment, and inequality would be eliminated. It was more than a document; it was a rallying cry-a call for grassroots involvement, gender inclusivity, and racial unity. Its adoption in 1955 symbolised collective resistance, galvanising the fight against apartheid and laying the groundwork for the democratic Constitution of 1996. In the decades following democracy, the ANC claimed to be the custodian of the Charter's ideals. Yet, many South Africans now see a stark contrast between the lofty promises of 1955 and the reality of today's socio-economic landscape. Poverty persists, unemployment remains entrenched, and inequality is among the highest globally. The triple burden the Charter sought to eradicate continues unabated, raising questions about the ANC's fidelity to its founding principles. The political landscape has shifted dramatically. The ANC, once the undisputed leader of South Africa's liberation movement, is now relegated to a coalition partner in a fragmented multiparty system following its failure to secure a majority in the 2024 elections. According to Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy, this marks a pivotal moment but questions the party's direction. 'The ANC has had ample time to realise the promises of the Freedom Charter. Their inability to deliver on key clauses, particularly wealth sharing and land redistribution, reflects a betrayal of those ideals.' ' Many South Africans believe that the ANC has reneged on its promise to implement the clauses of the Freedom Charter. They base their assessment on the condition of their lives and unfulfilled promises made by the ANC in each election.' Mngomezulu drew disparities in the ANC, which holds a view that only two of the ten clauses of the Freedom Charter have not been fulfilled. 'These are clauses three, which says, 'The people shall share in the country's wealth,' and clause four, which says, 'The land shall be shared among those who work it.' However, even with these clauses, the ANC claims it is a work in progress.' He argued that it was safe to say that the question on poverty and other challenges have not all been answered, as people still lived in poverty. Political Economy Analyst Zamikhaya Maseti proposed marking the 70th anniversary by returning to the roots of the Charter and holding the commemorative events in Kliptown itself. 'Kliptown was the site where our great-grandparents gathered under difficult, illegal conditions on June 25–26, 1955, to craft a vision for a democratic South Africa,' Maseti noted. 'Their gathering produced the Freedom Charter, a lodestar for the liberation struggle. Today, we face an equally historic task: rebuilding South Africa born from their sacrifices. A nation now fractured and drifting, desperately in need of repair.' She said that 'holding the anniversary in Kliptown would root it in the moral soil of people's struggles and remove the sting of elitism that often surrounds state-led initiatives. It would strip the dialogue of unnecessary extravagance.' Maseti stressed that 'the original Congress of the People saw delegates arrive by bus, taxi, train-some even on horseback. 'Reflecting this spirit, the proposed R700 million budget for this national dialogue is seen as absurd and morally indefensible I am relieved that the Presidency rejected that outrageous proposal.' Former ambassador Lassy Chiwayo reflected on the nation's current state as the nation comme 70th anniversary approaches. He warns of a dangerous phenomenon. 'Political sclerosis' is a form of institutional rigidity that stifles progress. 'Once, the ANC was Africa's most respected liberation movement- an icon of hope,' Chiwayo laments. 'Today, what has happened to that movement, and what does it mean for our nation?' He described 'political sclerosis' as 'a state of stagnation, gridlock, and paralysis,' warning that 'when our institutions become inflexible, they stop functioning effectively, and progress stalls. The ANC is suffering from a kind of political leprosy that threatens to consume the very ideals it once stood for.' If unchecked,' he warns, 'this disease could lead to the collapse of hope and the end of our dreams for a free, liberated Africa.' Chiwayo urges the movement to shed its sclerosis, embrace flexibility, and reconnect with the core principles of liberation and service. 'Otherwise, we risk losing the very essence of what our ancestors fought for-an Africa free from foreign domination, inequality, and oppression.' Activist and author Kim Heller laments that 'the Freedom Charter lies in ruins in democratic South Africa.' She argued that 'today, the portraiture of the ANC as a devoted and dutiful servant to its citizens has all but collapsed. The party has abandoned its scripture.' Heller critiqued the current elite-driven, VIP-dominated political culture, contrasting it with the grassroots participation and volunteerism underpinning the Charter's formation. She pointed out that the proposed R700 million National Dialogue, led by President Ramaphosa, 'lacks the nation-building spirit and grassroots involvement that defined the Charter and the UDF. It appears to be an elite talk shop, disconnected from the struggles of ordinary South Africans.' Independent analyst Professor Sipho Seepe highlighted that the implementation of the Charter was doomed from the start. 'The ANC adopted a constitution that appreciated past injustices but made socioeconomic transformation difficult,' he stated. 'The architecture of apartheid remains largely intact, and inequality has only worsened, making South Africa the most unequal country in the world.' He criticised the ANC's partnership with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in government, arguing that 'the party has become an empty shell incapable of delivering on the promises of equality and justice, betraying the very ideals of the Freedom Charter.' According to Maseri, the challenge now is to reconnect with those founding principles by returning to Kliptown, the grassroots, and the moral soil of the struggles that birthed this nation. 'The task is to rebuild what was once a beacon of hope and aspiration. Only then can South Africa truly honour the sacrifices made and realise the promise of the Freedom Charter.' When asked for a comment on whether the ANC betrayed the Freedom Charter, the party's national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, stated that she would respond by Thursday afternoon; however, she did not do so by the publication deadline. [email protected] IOL Politics
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
The Freedom Charter at 70: A vision betrayed by the ANC?
The ANC and the Freedom Charter: A Betrayal of Foundational Ideals Image: Cara Viereckl/Independent Media As South Africa marked the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter, leading voices in South Africa have raised concerns about the ideals enshrined in the nation's founding document, having been hollowed out, replaced by elite-driven agendas and systemic failures that threaten to undo the progress made in the liberation struggle. Seventy years ago, in the dusty streets of Kliptown, Soweto, the African National Congress (ANC) and its allies adopted the Freedom Charter - a bold, inclusive blueprint for a democratic South Africa rooted in the principles of equality, shared wealth, and social justice. The Charter was born from a comprehensive, cross-class, and cross-race consultative process. It embodies millions' hopes for a free, fair, and united nation. Today, as South Africa marks this significant milestone, critics argue that the ANC has drifted far from those foundational ideals, betraying the very values that inspired the struggle against apartheid. The Freedom Charter articulated a vision where 'the people shall share in the country's wealth,' land would be shared among those who work it, and poverty, unemployment, and inequality would be eliminated. It was more than a document; it was a rallying cry-a call for grassroots involvement, gender inclusivity, and racial unity. Its adoption in 1955 symbolised collective resistance, galvanising the fight against apartheid and laying the groundwork for the democratic Constitution of 1996. In the decades following democracy, the ANC claimed to be the custodian of the Charter's ideals. Yet, many South Africans now see a stark contrast between the lofty promises of 1955 and the reality of today's socio-economic landscape. Poverty persists, unemployment remains entrenched, and inequality is among the highest globally. The triple burden the Charter sought to eradicate continues unabated, raising questions about the ANC's fidelity to its founding principles. The political landscape has shifted dramatically. The ANC, once the undisputed leader of South Africa's liberation movement, is now relegated to a coalition partner in a fragmented multiparty system following its failure to secure a majority in the 2024 elections. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ According to Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy, this marks a pivotal moment but questions the party's direction. 'The ANC has had ample time to realise the promises of the Freedom Charter. Their inability to deliver on key clauses, particularly wealth sharing and land redistribution, reflects a betrayal of those ideals.' 'Many South Africans believe that the ANC has reneged on its promise to implement the clauses of the Freedom Charter. They base their assessment on the condition of their lives and unfulfilled promises made by the ANC in each election.' Mngomezulu drew disparities in the ANC, which holds a view that only two of the ten clauses of the Freedom Charter have not been fulfilled. 'These are clauses three, which says, 'The people shall share in the country's wealth,' and clause four, which says, 'The land shall be shared among those who work it.' However, even with these clauses, the ANC claims it is a work in progress.' He argued that it was safe to say that the question on poverty and other challenges have not all been answered, as people still lived in poverty. Political Economy Analyst Zamikhaya Maseti proposed marking the 70th anniversary by returning to the roots of the Charter and holding the commemorative events in Kliptown itself. 'Kliptown was the site where our great-grandparents gathered under difficult, illegal conditions on June 25–26, 1955, to craft a vision for a democratic South Africa,' Maseti noted. 'Their gathering produced the Freedom Charter, a lodestar for the liberation struggle. Today, we face an equally historic task: rebuilding South Africa born from their sacrifices. A nation now fractured and drifting, desperately in need of repair.' She said that 'holding the anniversary in Kliptown would root it in the moral soil of people's struggles and remove the sting of elitism that often surrounds state-led initiatives. It would strip the dialogue of unnecessary extravagance.' Maseti stressed that 'the original Congress of the People saw delegates arrive by bus, taxi, train-some even on horseback. 'Reflecting this spirit, the proposed R700 million budget for this national dialogue is seen as absurd and morally indefensible I am relieved that the Presidency rejected that outrageous proposal.' Former ambassador Lassy Chiwayo reflected on the nation's current state as the nation comme 70th anniversary approaches. He warns of a dangerous phenomenon. 'Political sclerosis' is a form of institutional rigidity that stifles progress. 'Once, the ANC was Africa's most respected liberation movement- an icon of hope,' Chiwayo laments. 'Today, what has happened to that movement, and what does it mean for our nation?' He described 'political sclerosis' as 'a state of stagnation, gridlock, and paralysis,' warning that 'when our institutions become inflexible, they stop functioning effectively, and progress stalls. The ANC is suffering from a kind of political leprosy that threatens to consume the very ideals it once stood for.' If unchecked,' he warns, 'this disease could lead to the collapse of hope and the end of our dreams for a free, liberated Africa.' Chiwayo urges the movement to shed its sclerosis, embrace flexibility, and reconnect with the core principles of liberation and service. 'Otherwise, we risk losing the very essence of what our ancestors fought for-an Africa free from foreign domination, inequality, and oppression.' Activist and author Kim Heller laments that 'the Freedom Charter lies in ruins in democratic South Africa.' She argued that 'today, the portraiture of the ANC as a devoted and dutiful servant to its citizens has all but collapsed. The party has abandoned its scripture.' Heller critiqued the current elite-driven, VIP-dominated political culture, contrasting it with the grassroots participation and volunteerism underpinning the Charter's formation. She pointed out that the proposed R700 million National Dialogue, led by President Ramaphosa, 'lacks the nation-building spirit and grassroots involvement that defined the Charter and the UDF. It appears to be an elite talk shop, disconnected from the struggles of ordinary South Africans.' Independent analyst Professor Sipho Seepe highlighted that the implementation of the Charter was doomed from the start. 'The ANC adopted a constitution that appreciated past injustices but made socioeconomic transformation difficult,' he stated. 'The architecture of apartheid remains largely intact, and inequality has only worsened, making South Africa the most unequal country in the world.' He criticised the ANC's partnership with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in government, arguing that 'the party has become an empty shell incapable of delivering on the promises of equality and justice, betraying the very ideals of the Freedom Charter.'
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
President Ramaphosa celebrates 30 years of the Constitutional Court's role in safeguarding democracy
. President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the Concourt's remarkable contributions to freedom, dignity, and social justice. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers From ensuring same sex marriages, access to HIV/Aids treatment, to ensuring social justice is affirmed, the country's Constitutional Court, which on Friday celebrated 30 years of existence, has been hailed for its contribution to the country's constitutional democracy. President Cyril Ramaphosa reflected on the apex court's contribution to freedom, dignity, and justice during his keynote address at the court's headquarters at Constitution Hill, Braamfontein.. Ramaphosa also extended his gratitude to all the Chief Justices and Senior Justices who have led the highest court in the land over the past three decades. Over the years, the court has handed down some judgments that have had a profound impact on the law in South Africa, including the abolishment of the death penalty in 1995, the 2002 right to health care and access to HIV/Aids treatment, the 2004 right of access to social security by permanent residents, among many others. "When the Constitutional Court was established 30 years ago, it was a bold response to a history that had denied the majority of South Africans basic human rights. The court was tasked with safeguarding the Constitution of 1996. Each role was deeply symbolic, and it acted as a symbol of a bold, immortal legal compass. This court was established and built on the grounds of former president Nelson Mandela to embody and become an instrument of justice," he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Constitutional Court, led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, commemorates 30 years today since its establishment Image: Kamogelo Moichela Ramaphosa intimated that when the Concourt was established by former statesman Nelson Mandela, it sought to ensure that all South Africans' basic human rights were protected as enshrined in the guiding document called the Constitution. "As we cast our minds back to May 1996, when our Constitution was established, and in my capacity as the chairperson. It became our nation's birth certificate, reflecting a history we have emerged from, built on the values of dignity, equality, and freedom. It sought to affirm the identity and legality of every human being... "Just as a parent would attend to the health of their child, the establishment of the court allowed it to be free, as it was born of struggle and hope. "We believe that never again shall South Africa be governed without equality, dignity, and justice for all. This court has contributed not just judicial validation but has also elevated the consciousness of our people and contributed to building trust in our legal and judicial system. It has also contributed to advancing social cohesion and reconciliation, which has been enhanced by this court through its judgments, ensuring that all people are treated fairly, while promising a sense of belonging to all citizens," he added.
IOL News
10-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How South Africa's water crisis threatens human rights and demands urgent reform
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers South Africa is grappling with the challenges of deteriorating water infrastructure, inadequate investment, underfunding, and increasing resource scarcity, which are both environmental and economic imperatives, according to experts. These have led millions of people across the country to experience water supply shortages and even dry taps. The frustration with inconsistent water supply or lack of it resulted in some taking the matter to the SA Human Rights Commission and even the United Nations. The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Water Division said that the country stands at a critical juncture in its infrastructure development, with water infrastructure at the forefront of this challenge, which has left taps dry in many communities. 'Water security is the foundation of economic stability and growth. Without reliable access to clean and affordable water, industries falter, agriculture suffers, communities struggle, and investors reconsider investment in South Africa. 'For millions living in poverty, unreliable access to clean water is not just an inconvenience. It poses a daily threat to health, livelihoods, and survival, not to mention revoking the constitutional human right to water, as enshrined as a fundamental human right in South Africa (supported by both the Constitution of 1996 and the Water Services Act 108 of 1997). Water insecurity has a ripple effect, with the potential of slowing the economy, disrupting education, worsening food shortages, and undermining the country's overall stability,' SAICE Water Division said. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) recently revealed that the country needs to spend over R90 billion a year over the next decade to repair and upgrade existing infrastructure. Despite the R156.3 billion being committed towards water and sanitation in the 2025 Budget Speech, SACE was concerned that municipalities might lack the engineering expertise, among other things, to use these grants efficiently. Wynand Dreyer, chairperson of the SAICE Advocacy Committee, said: 'In the absence of proper planning, feasibility studies and suitable technically driven procurement, such grants may be misspent or even unspent, whether on upgrading, renewal or new infrastructure. 'The imperative to fix and renew aged and defective infrastructure cannot be over-emphasised. Our statistics on non-revenue water tell a damning story of neglect with over 40% of water produced and supplied to more than 80% of the country, lost due to aging and broken infrastructure as a result of leaks or unaccounted for water due to theft. We desperately need to see these numbers turned around.' Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ Dr Ferrial Adam, executive manager of a non-governmental organisation, Water Community Action Network (WaterCAN), said South Africa's water resources are in trouble from every aspect, rivers being polluted by sewage, oceans being polluted, agriculture, pesticides, mining, all of that. 'The infrastructure is also a big challenge, and the fact that the government has not spent the required amount on infrastructure, and for the national government to keep thinking that this is going to be solved by the local government, is very duplicitous. 'The state we are in right now cannot be left only to the local government. So, the national government, and not just the Department of Water and Sanitation, needs to deal with this together. And until that happens, we are going to see continued pollution, continued outages, and large parts of South Africans not getting access to clean, safe drinking water,' Adam said. She added that the government's blue drop report shows that almost half of the country's drinking water systems should not be consumed, which she described as a failure in terms of functionality and reliability. 'There are significant regional disparities, but not only regional, it is also that your biggest cities may have better functionality or better reliability as you move outskirts. So, in a lot of the areas outside of the big metros, you can't drink that water anymore, but you can drink the water in big metros. 'The irony, though, is that in a city like Johannesburg, where you can drink the water from the taps, the system is completely falling apart, and we see that every day,' she remarked. According to Adam, there needs to be an increase in the budget and the focus that is being given to address the issues around water and water infrastructure. Be it drinking water quality, the pipes, reservoirs that are leaking, and there is no funding to actually get those fixed. 'But also, we must not ignore the state of our wastewater treatment works across the country, where almost 70% of them are in a critical state. So, we need to take urgent steps, and we cannot continue like this. 'It almost seems as if the government as a whole, whichever party doesn't matter. The government as a whole does not get the full understanding of what is going on with our water and the state of our water and sanitation,' she said. She highlighted that the daily realities for communities facing water challenges are unbelievable. 'The fact that people have to live with sewage flowing past their doors, and their front doors and their windows have to stay closed. The fact that in many parts of areas where there are shared toilets, at night, women are too afraid to use the toilet. Those are the kind of realities of communities that are facing both water and sanitation challenges on a daily basis. 'And I don't think that that is reflected in anything, in any speech, in any document, in any policy that we are seeing right now. It's a complete violation of basic human rights and people's dignity. And how a government can get away with that, I don't know,' Adam said. During the recent Water and Sanitation Indaba, DWS Minister Pemmy Majodina said, based on the DWS 2023 full Blue Drop and 2022 full Green Drop assessments, she has identified 105 out of the 144 water services authorities that are experiencing a water service delivery crisis. She said this failure has contributed to the trust deficit in the sector, as the affected municipalities are unable to discharge their constitutional responsibilities in a number of areas, including basic service delivery and the management of critical infrastructure like water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants. The Department of Water and Sanitation says that 79% of the infrastructure assets by DWS are in very good, good, and fair condition, whereas 21% of infrastructure assets are in poor condition, which then informs the Department's maintenance plan annually, depending on the budget available. Image: Department of Water and Sanitation Wisane Mavasa, DWS spokesperson, said 79% of the infrastructure assets by the department are in very good, good, and fair condition, whereas 21% of infrastructure assets are in poor condition and which then informs the department's maintenance plan annually, depending on the budget available. Most of the non-revenue water losses are in municipal distribution systems, for which the relevant water services authority is responsible. Municipalities are independent, and DWS cannot intervene by directly implementing any measures to address the water loss in municipal systems. DWS is, however, providing a supporting role to municipalities where they can access grant funding, she said. 'The grants administered by DWS are the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant, which is currently funding over 100 projects with an estimated cost of over R9 billion in various municipalities. The Water Services Infrastructure Grant is currently funding over 400 projects with an estimated cost of over R4.8 billion in various municipalities.' Mavasa added that water treatment systems and associated infrastructure are largely owned and managed by municipalities and water boards. 'The Department of Water and Sanitation does not have a substantial backlog in infrastructure maintenance. The backlog is within the Water Services Authorities' infrastructure. Municipal water and sanitation services are deteriorating, as borne out by the recent Green Drop, Blue Drop and No Drop reports. These challenges include poorly governed, poorly managed, and under-performing institutions resulting in high losses and inefficiencies, including high levels of non-revenue water. 'The main cause is a lack of investment in proper operations and maintenance of infrastructure by Water Services Authorities. At the same time, demand is increasing in urban areas, resulting in a rapidly growing infrastructure backlog. The department is not in a position to fund the operation and maintenance of the Water Services Authority infrastructure. This is supposed to be funded from revenue from the sale of water by Water Services Authorities. The department cannot make decisions to prioritise maintenance and operation budgets on behalf of municipalities. The decisions must be made by municipal councils,' Mavasa said. She said the oversight or regulation governance of municipalities in general is not within the mandate of the Department of Water and Sanitation. The Municipal Structures Act states that the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) authorises municipalities to perform the function of providing water services. 'The Water Services Amendment Bill, which is currently in the Cluster system towards being presented to Cabinet, National Treasury's Reform of Metropolitan Trading Services Programme, and Phase 2 of Operation Vulindlela are introducing reforms aimed at changing the municipal water sector to operate on a utility model (either internal or external utilities). These reforms involve: a) Separation of the Water services Authority (WSA) and water Service Provider (WSP) functions, as required by law b) Ringfencing revenues from the sale of water for the water function c) Ringfencing all management functions related to the delivery of water and sanitation services, with single-point accountability,' Mavasa said. DWS recognised that in most cases, it is more effective to invest in existing infrastructure to reduce leakages, rather than to direct the investment into increasing the supply, she said. Mavasa added that the department is putting in place public-private collaboration agreements with industries such as the mines, which are investing billions for joint funding for infrastructure projects, which will simultaneously provide bulk water to industry and reticulated water to communities.
