If we work together, we can overcome any challenge
As we observe 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, we should also focus on building social cohesion, writes
THE heinous crimes committed against women and children have become a rallying call for South Africans to unite to end the scourge of violence that affects old and young across socio-economic lines.
Earlier this year, the murder of UCT student Uyinene Mrwetyana resulted in a national outpouring of anger and grief and was a catalyst for all South Africans to say that enough was enough.
South Africa’s rainbow nation is a fractured one with schisms caused by poverty, unemployment, inequality and offensive or insensitive social media posts, serving as the biggest threats to social cohesion.
The Springboks’ World Cup victory went a long way towards creating a much-needed sense of euphoria. The #Strongertogether slogan and the victory unleashed feelings of joy and camaraderie in even the most remote areas of the country.
However, the scenes of joy were short-lived when the reality of everyday crime set in.
What it did show was that we are a nation thirsty for positivity, achievements and harmony. Religious and cultural bodies have a massive role to play in fostering social cohesion, educating our citizens and developing programmes to catalyse nation-building.
But it is also the duty of each citizen to play their part. South Africa has a rich history that shows when we decide to work together we can overcome any challenge. A socially cohesive society is one in which all members desire to share similar positive experiences, embrace their human rights and treat one another with dignity.
Vani Moodley, of Glenwood, says there’s a strong sense of community in her area. It came about when residents took the initiative to fight crime.
Moodley says a better South Africa starts in the home. “We need to check our thoughts, which informs the language that we use around our children, family and peers. The ripple effect is that it shapes social cohesion.
“True social cohesion evolves from education, understanding, tolerance and respect.”
Sonto Buthelezi, from Womandla, an organisation that empowers women, says our perceptions of who we are in relation to one another and who we can potentially be in rebuilding and sustaining our country is important.
Buthelezi, who hails from Ntuzuma, is saddened by the social barriers that divide his community.
He rightly points out that unemployment, poverty and crime continues to widen the gaps between the various income levels there.
Danny Pillay, of Chatsworth, warns that some social cohesion efforts are in danger of being subverted by some elements in the political and business spheres.
Another Chatsworth resident, Tristal Kuppan, is optimistic about social cohesion in her area: “I feel that the community does come together when a problem arises.”
Kuppan believes the media must use its influence to correct perceptions that instigate conflict between citizens.
“Most South Africans are grateful for the freedom we have and appreciate the sacrifices that were made to attain it,” says Kuppan.
“However, deep fault lines remain and require constant work to guide us towards the vision of the society we dreamt of. And the first way is to limit the amount of crime that we face on a daily basis so that fear and suspicion don’t cloud our judgement as a nation and prevent the social cohesion we so badly need.”
Community activist Sulosh Pillay, of the ACT Foundation and Daughters of Africa, two non-profits focused on poverty eradication, health and youth dignity programmes, says racism covertly continues to cause damage in society.
“We need to actively promote optimism, compassion, inclusion, and kindness wherever we go, because in reality we are one humanity – regardless of our colour, race or creed,” Pillay says.