Don't let Trump trample on non-racialism in SA

SEVENTY years ago, South Africans gathered in Kliptown to draw up an alternative vision to that of apartheid which became the official policy of the country under the National Party.

- NEESHAN BALTON

“We, the people of South Africa, declare for all our country and the world to know: that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people; that our people have been robbed of their birth–right to land, liberty and peace by a form of government founded on injustice and inequality; that our country will never be prosperous or free until all our people live in brotherhood, enjoying equal rights and opportunities; that only a democratic state, based on the will of all the people, can secure to all their birth–right without distinction of colour, race, sex or belief; And therefore, we, the people of South Africa, black and white together – equals, countrymen and brothers – adopt this Freedom Charter. And we pledge ourselves to strive together, sparing neither strength nor courage, until the democratic changes here set out have been won.”

In the same year, the National Party started with its implementation of one of the key components of apartheid, the Group Areas Act.

Thousands of people were forcefully removed from places such as Sophiatown. Apartheid in education, sports, jobs and every aspect of life was to be entrenched rapidly.

But 1955 also saw the establishment of organisations such as the Black Sash, an organisation of white women who opposed apartheid.

Fast forward to 1994. A government of national unity came into being after almost four years of negotiations. In 1996, a new Constitution was adopted.

The preamble to this Constitution follows on from the preamble of the Freedom Charter.

Recognise the injustices of our past

Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land.

Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.