By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to reject the politics of divisiveness that is emerging in many parts of the world.
Ramaphosa used his newsletter on Monday to reflect on Human Rights Day, saying South Africans should challenge what he termed “the completely false narrative” that South Africa is a place in which people of a certain race or culture are being targeted for persecution.
Last week South Africa observed Human Rights Day, which honours the 69 unarmed protestors who were killed by the apartheid police in Sharpeville on March 21, 1960.
US President Donald Trump accused South Africa of “confiscating land” and “treating some classes of people very badly”.
This after Ramaphosa signed into law the controversial Expropriation Bill, which was met with criticism from some opposition parties and civil society, which led to Trump terminating all United States Agency for International Development aid to South Africa.
Ramaphosa took this opportunity to reaffirm the nation’s dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all its citizens.
Since the dawn of democracy, South Africa has worked tirelessly to build a society where human rights are respected for everyone, irrespective of their race, gender, culture, or religion, he said.
Ramaphosa stressed that, “we have strived to build a society that recognises the injustices of our past, while advancing reconciliation and national unity.”
The commitment to human dignity is enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution, which guarantees rights to all citizens, ensuring freedom and equality under the law.
Ramaphosa highlighted the progress the country has made since transitioning from apartheid, noting that South Africans have the right to freely express their opinions and seek justice through independent courts and democratic institutions.
The nation, he emphasised, has held successive free and fair elections since 1994, a reflection of its dedication to democracy and the rule of law.
South Africa, he added, has always been steadfast in its solidarity with the people everywhere who are facing persecution, discrimination, and the violation of their rights.
“As South Africa, we stand in solidarity with all those whose right to lead lives of dignity are being undermined by conflict and war. The UN human rights system must be strengthened so that the enjoyment of human rights is no longer the preserve of some,” he said.
South Africa has shown support for the people of Palestine and has called for a peaceful end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as other parts of the world.