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South Africa: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – EFF Calls for Nationwide Contingency Plan in event of Grid Collapse: Urgen Collaboration needed to protect South African Food Security (20.05.2023)

Opinion: Is Ramaphosa forgetting the pledges of the Freedom Charter?

“There Shall be Peace and Friendship!

South Africa shall be a fully independent state which respects the rights and sovereignty of all nations; South Africa shall strive to maintain world peace and the settlement of all international disputes by negotiation – not war; Peace and friendship amongst all our people shall be secured by upholding the equal rights, opportunities and status of all; The people of the protectorates Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland shall be free to decide for themselves their own future; The right of all peoples of Africa to independence and self-government shall be recognised, and shall be the basis of close co-operation. Let all people who love their people and their country no say, as we say here” (The Freedom Charter, 26.06.1955).

I know it’s years ago and maybe the Freedom Charter is a forgotten tale for the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC is now beholden to power and has kept it since the end of Apartheid. However, the ideals of the Freedom Charter shouldn’t be lost. The charter itself sets a mandate and a boundaries, which should even be upheld in 2023. T

That’s why I am wondering if President Cyril Ramaphosa is concerned about it or doesn’t care. The document of the Freedom Charter should be the mantle and the ones that is guiding the ANC. However, at this point of time… I doubt that…

Just read these parts of the reasoning of “not taking a stance” from the President:

“This explains South Africa’s membership of the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. South Africa has also used its membership of other international forums like the G20 and BRICS group to advance the views and interests of countries in Africa and the rest of the Global South” (…) “We do not accept that our non-aligned position favours Russia above other countries. Nor do we accept that it should imperil our relations with other countries” (Cyril Ramaphosa – ‘South Africa will not take sides in a contest between global powers’ 15.05.2023).

When reading this and the whole Presidential Blog it was depressing. The sort of defeatist. Especially the way and manner which it describes things. It is obvious that Ramaphosa is dancing on a thin line with BRICS allies, which is Russia. Because, his an ally with the BRICS and it shows.

That’s why it speaks like this… it is not showing true independence, and neither is it respectful of the history of the Freedom Charter. That is what is striking. The language and choices of words contrasts with the history of the ANC. It is partly siding with the invading forces and not taking a direct stance in the war in Ukraine. That’s because of its loyalty to Russia.

It is a sad tale, but everything got to end. Even the dogmas and the ideals of the Freedom Charter is losing its value in South Africa. Peace.