The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) commemorates the country’s attainment of democracy 32 years ago. For the first time in our history, citizens of all races could make their voices heard at the polls, marking the end of a vile system of racial segregation and discrimination.
As history would have it, when South Africans stood in long queues for their turn to cast the vote, they hungered for change, not only of the political regime, but also of their socio-economic conditions. Although numerous gains have been achieved through the years, today many are suffocating under the pressure of the high cost of living.
Celebrating this day is compounded by both the appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who stood at the forefront of the liberation movement and an overarching frustration towards the lived reality of hardship.
It is a far-flung exercise to cheer while the struggle to make ends meet is an everyday, stressful exercise. The working class is under siege from exorbitant medical aid fees from a government service provider that was designed to cushion public servants’ expenses, which has now reared its capitalist head. Decision makers sit in boardrooms concluding determinations opposite to the envisaged future of access to basics promised by the democratic emancipation. They enforce unaffordable rates despite the outcry from vulnerable patrons working hard under economic burden. Bare necessities are unacceptably expensive, including electricity, water and paraffin while workers are drowning in debt.
As we have witnessed recently, in contrast to the scenes from the 27th of April 1994 of snaking queues, young people line up at premises of potential employers hoping to escape unemployment. They often return home, forced into their circumstances because of a failed system unable to accommodate them. Commendable projects aimed at addressing the scourge are appreciated but are a drop in the ocean compared to the escalating unemployment figures sitting at 41.1% and youth unemployment exceeding 72%.
Capacitating initiatives meant to alleviate these devastating numbers could be possible if corruption is eliminated in all spheres. Taxpayers earned money lost through perversion could be utilised to accelerate skills development opportunities.
This Freedom Day COSATU calls for the humane approach to the meaning of freedom. The gains achieved through the decades should not be marred by difficulties inflicted by capitalist ambitions. These difficulties are experienced in communities and in households.
True freedom must translate to an affordable standard of living for all.
Issued by COSATU
Nonzuzo Dlamini (Communication Officer)
Mobile: 066 194 3619
Email: nonzuzo@cosatu.org.za