Freedom Day also provides an opportunity for the country to take stock and reflect on the meaning of freedom, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

In an era where there is rampant lawlessness and where women and children are not free to walk or play outside their homes without fear of being accosted by criminal elements, the country as a whole needs to reflect on the value of freedom, especially in poorer communities where people cannot afford private security. Our criminal justice system is not geared to protect ordinary people and many criminals are left to terrorize communities unimpeded by law enforcement officials. This reality for many in the country means that people are not free to move around and are thus curtailed in their right to freedom.

Safety and social harmony is key to realizing and exercising many rights and freedoms. Many women and children are not safe in their own homes, due to the violence they are subjected to INCLUDING by those who bear the responsibility to protect them. We each should reflect on these matters and the responsibilities that we bear individually and collectively to ensure that there is safety, security and harmony for all.

During Freedom Day we recall the historic images of people standing in long queues to exercise for the first time the right to vote thus ushering the new democratic era.

Statistics reveal that voter turnout drastically dropped from 77.3% in 2009, to 73.5% in 2014 to 66.1% in 2019.

The SAHRC calls on all South Africans to consider that participation in elections by all eligible voters makes democracy vibrant and is a civic responsibility we all bear.

Finally, the Commission wishes to urge citizens to use this year’s Freedom Day to take stock on their individual contribution towards shaping our daily realities and begin to reflect on our collective responsibilities by becoming active citizens.

Ends

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission.

Wisani Baloyi – Acting Communications Coordinator Tel: 081 016 8308 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Alucia Sekgathume Tel: 082 689 2364 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.