30 Years of Democracy

The Democracy Bus recently visited Kokosi Foschville Township and Munsieville Sports Ground, where the Department of Social Development led a pre-mobilisation for the Ke Moja Activation and Service Delivery Blitz. The event, which aimed to raise awareness about substance abuse, also focused on providing support to the wider community.

The event, was a mix of workshops, open discussions, and personal stories, aimed to address the ongoing struggles many face with addiction and to find ways to support each other in building stronger and healthier communities.

Various projects aimed at increasing economic growth and development across Limpopo were highlighted during the most recent Democracy Bus tour in the province, to reflect on the progress made since 1994.  During the tour, the bus made a stop at the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ) in Sekhukhune, an area that has seen rapid economic growth in recent years. SEZs are geographic areas of a country set aside for specific economic activities. They offer incentives to businesses to set up shop there.

The public-private partnership between cellphone network giant MTN and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is an example of the fruits that come with 30 years of democracy.

The Democracy Bus spent the month of August in the Western Cape. On board are dedicated officials - bringing with them the message of celebration and hope.

We had the privilege of getting on the Bus as it transversed the Western Cape, as it seeks to celebrate the country’s 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy by highlighting the achievements of the democratic government and invite dialogues with communities on how to improve their lives.

The town of Hanover in the Northern Cape is dubbed the ‘middle’ of South Africa. It sits halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town; between Cape Town and Durban, and between Upington and Port Elizabeth. 

Hanover falls under the Emthanjeni Municipality.

Besides its interesting geographic location, it is home to Olive Schreiner, the acclaimed late author of The Story of an African Farm, who championed women’s rights and was an anti-racist. The trailblazing Schreiner lived between 1855 and 1920.  

The commemoration of 30 years of democracy provides an opportune moment to reflect on the advancement of our democratic rights. One of our foundational human rights essential to keeping our democracy alive is access to information which is promoted through South African libraries.

Accessing information is crucial for our vibrant democracy especially since our history is marked by an apartheid regime that thrived on secrecy, lack of transparency and accountability which robbed citizens of essential information for making decisions.