Mandela’s legacy in danger

ALITTLE over 10 years ago Parliament broke its rules. However, unlike now, Parliament was united in its decision to allow former presidents FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela to address a joint sitting.

It did so even though neither of the men was a member of Parliament or a sitting president at the time.

But the occasion of celebrating 10 years of our democracy merited a breaking of rules. And what Mandela said in Parliament on May 10, 2004 is something our current crop of parliamentarians should take note of.

“Parliament is the voice of the people and you, the presiding officers, bear a heavy responsibility in ensuring that that voice is clearly heard in national affairs and that its role be protected and defended.

“To all of the members of Parliament in whom the nation has put its trust, yours is the almost sacred duty to ensure government by the people under the constitution.”

This Friday South Africans will commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Mandela by observing a few minutes of silence just before 10 o’clock.

It comes at a time when the celebration of our 20 years of democracy draws to a close and we move into the third decade of democracy.

Mandela will not travel this road with us. But the advice he left us with when he addressed Parliament to mark our first decade of democracy is as relevant today as it was then.

“Let us refrain from chauvinistic breast-beating; but let us also not underrate what we have achieved in establishing a stable and progressive democracy where we take freedoms seriously; in building national unity in spite of decades and centuries of apartheid and colonial rule; in creating a culture in which we increasingly respect the dignity of all.

“In a cynical world we have become an inspiration to many. We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.

“Our democracy must bring its material fruits to all, particularly the poor, marginalised and vulnerable. Our belief in the common good ultimately translates into a deep concern for those that suffer want and deprivation of any kind.”

South Africa has a long road to travel if we are to realise the society Mandela envisioned. It starts by keeping his legacy alive.