Why SA needs an active citizenry
Battle to keep promise of dignity and equality alive
DEMOCRACY in South Africa was not a magic wand that erased social injustices; rather, citizens need to be active to help address socioeconomic injustice, says Advocate Mohamed Shafie Ameermia, a commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission.
Why is it important for South Africans to understand the role of Chapter 9 institutions, such as the South African Human Rights Commission, and how can they better use these institutions?
South Africa is a constitutional democracy, founded on the supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law. Our founding fathers and mothers realised that there was a need to create Chapter 9 institutions such as the South Africa Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector, among others, to serve as watchdogs to protect the rights enshrined in the constitution and ensure that the constitution reigns supreme. Given the fact that Chapter 9 institutions are watchdog bodies that protect human rights and monitor the observance of human rights violations, it is important for these institutions to undertake educational programmes geared towards educating society at large about the work they do.
Why are human rights such a vital part in the development of our democracy?
In cognisance of our country’s painful past, which was riddled with egregious human rights abuses, the drafters of the constitution realised the need for the creation of a constitutional democracy founded on the rule of law, based on the values of social justice and fundamental human rights. Thus, human rights are important in our epoch and must be used as a transformative tool in the quest for a just and democratic society and to reaffirm our human dignity.
How can the private sector, government, labour and civil society collaborate better in the protection of human rights?
These stakeholders must vigorously engage the fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution by creating an active citizenry and taking ownership of the challenges prevalent in society, finding sustainable solutions.
How do you see the role of NGOs, like Kagiso, adapting to serve in the socioeconomic development of South Africa?
The advent of democracy was not a magic wand that automatically erased the social injustices wrought by apartheid. The effects of the harsh realities of the damage done by apartheid continue to be felt in this country today. Therefore, NGOs such as Kagiso, which, as far back as 1985, had the vision to create an egalitarian society for a postdemocratic order, still have a greater role to play. They can do this by strategically using their investment expertise and skills to uplift society from the hovels of poverty and deprivation. However, to ensure maximum strategic impact, they must join hands with like-minded civil society organisations in creating sustainable projects that are intensively educationally driven to address the socioeconomic realities on the ground.
What would you say are the main human rights challenges of our time?
The main human rights challenges of our time are primarily socioeconomic in nature coupled with the right to development. They relate to challenges pertaining to the right to healthcare, food, job security, education and housing.
What message do you have for Kagiso Trust as it celebrates its 30th anniversary?
As Kagiso Trust celebrates 30 years of its existence it should not rest on its laurels as the country is beset by the triple threat of poverty, inequality and unemployment. Rather, it should put shoulders and expertise to the wheel so as to ensure that the constitution’s promise of dignity and equality for all does not remain a distant dream.
Ameermia is commissioner of the South African Human Rights Commission
This column is part of a series of monthly articles sponsored by Kagiso Trust in celebration of its 30th anniversary