Freedom Without Economic Justice Is Not Enough

By Abram Mashishi
SANCO Gauteng Provincial Chairperson

Freedom in South Africa, achieved in 1994 through the End of Apartheid, marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of democracy.

It gave our people the right to vote, to speak, and to reclaim their dignity. But let us not confuse political freedom with total liberation.

The truth is uncomfortable but necessary: for many South Africans, freedom has not yet changed their daily reality.

Poverty remains widespread.

Unemployment continues to rise.

Inequality is deepening.

Crime and poor service delivery are affecting the very communities that fought hardest for this freedom.

What does freedom mean to a young person with no job? What does it mean to a family without basic services? What does it mean to communities living in fear? These are the questions we must confront honestly.

Freedom must now move beyond symbolism and become practical.

It must deliver land, jobs, safety, and dignity.

It must be seen in functioning municipalities, accountable leadership, and inclusive economic growth.

Without this, freedom risks losing its meaning.

As SANCO, we believe the next phase of the struggle is clear: unity, discipline, and community activism must drive real change on the ground.

We must reject divisions and work collectively to ensure that no one is left behind.

Freedom was won through struggle but it will only be sustained through action.

Until freedom is felt in every home, our struggle continues.