We, the people of South Africa

Let's start with the Preamble of the Constitution of South Africa which says:

"We, the people of South Africa,

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.

We therefore, through our freely elected representatives, adopt this Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic so as to -

Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights;

Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law;

Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and

Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.

May God protect our people.

Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso.

God seën Suid-Afrika. God bless South Africa.

Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika. Hosi katekisa Afrika."

Let us all remember the following statements as we build our case.

"We, the people..."

"through our freely elected representatives, adopt this Constitution..."

"Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights..."

"...democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law..."

"Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person..."

"Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations..."

In other words, the fundamental function of our elected representatives and leaders, in every sphere of government, should be to achieve these aspirations one way or the other. If not, it is best that we close these institutions and go fly kites because we are just playing games with the purpose of governance.

We should be able to ask all public leaders about any programme they have that aligns with these objectives, and they should be able to respond satisfactorily. Otherwise, they will be misrepresenting the institutions they are working for.

Chapter 1 of the Constitution further affirms your rights and responsibilities as citizens [read responsibility, don't skip it :-)]:

"Citizenship

3. (1) There is a common South African citizenship.

(2) All citizens are—

(a) equally entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship; and

(b) equally subject to the duties and responsibilities of citizenship..."

Sisahamba kunye? The text above gives a bit of background on why we as residents will be discussing the forthcoming short topics around our participation within the municipality and the upcoming local government. This is part of what makes us South African citizens, as well as Nelson Mandela Bay residents.

Are we still together?

By Olwam Mnqwazi

Photo by Zinzi May