By Doer Mighty Mabule
UAT Head of Communications & National Spokesperson
Today, as South Africa commemorates Freedom Day, marking 30 years of democracy, stands in stark contrast to the celebratory mood.
Despite the significance of this day, we cannot in good conscience join in the festivities when the reality on the ground tells a different story.
The truth is, for many of our people, freedom remains an elusive dream.
The lack of meaningful job opportunities has left families struggling to make ends meet. Service delivery, a fundamental right, is woefully inadequate.
Crime rates continue to soar, leaving communities feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
The issue of land restitution, a critical aspect of our nation’s history and identity, remains unresolved.
The meager social grants, such as the R350 allocation, are insufficient to sustain entire households.
This paltry amount is a stark reminder of the government’s failure to address the systemic issues driving poverty and inequality.
Our children deserve better.
The state of education in our townships and rural areas is deplorable.
Hand-me-down textbooks, often torn and outdated, are no substitute for quality education.
We demand an education system that not only imparts knowledge but also equips our children with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
The harsh reality is that many families go to bed with empty stomachs, a direct result of unemployment and the lack of economic opportunities.
The promise of freedom and a better life, made 30 years ago, remains unfulfilled.
UAT will not be celebrating Freedom Day because, in truth, we are not free.
The shackles of oppression may have been broken, but the chains of poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services remain firmly in place.
We call on the government to acknowledge the depth of our struggles and work tirelessly to address the systemic issues that plague our communities. Only then can we truly celebrate our freedom.