Masualle in appeal for more unity
STAYING away from public events was not the solution to the challenges facing the country, premier Phumulo Masualle said.
His message was directed at “minority groups” who boycotted provincial Freedom Day celebrations in Maclear yesterday.
They apparently saw nothing to celebrate in the face of xenophobia, the destruction of colonial and apartheid statues, poverty, high crime and joblessness.
While a few ANC supporters in party colours danced and sang struggle songs inside a large tent at Maclear High School sports grounds, other residents were shopping, visiting the graves of loved ones or simply going about their daily lives. A number of MECs were present. Masualle said he sympathised with the minority groups’ concerns but disagreed with their boycotting of government events to show their unhappiness.
He condemned acts of lawlessness and said South Africans had to work together to achieve more.
“[To] our brothers from the white community ... our future is intertwined.
“They cannot sit elsewhere and not be here because solutions are going to be found when we work together.
“I invite them to take that important step not to retreat but to move forward.”
Masualle said there was a lot to celebrate as South Africa was a relatively peaceful country compared to the rest of the world.
In town, 25-year-old builder Gerrie Venter said the destruction of statues was proof of inequality.
“What will our children learn if we destroy history, no matter the race?” he said.
His girlfriend, Cindy Kruger, 26, said she felt “a bit guilty” about staying away from the celebrations but did not have time.
Unemployed resident Lungisa Nozombini, 26, was feasting on meat with his neighbours. “We have about 300 shacks and we only have six toilets to use,” he said.
“We live in total darkness, we drink water with animals. Do you call that freedom?”