Reviving the spirit of the United Democratic Front: Energising democracy for a better South Africa
The UDF’s legacy continues to guide us as we navigate the complexities of modern South Africa
Introduction
South Africa’s journey to democracy was one marked by resilience, sacrifice and a collective struggle against oppression. The generation that witnessed the trials and tribulations of the apartheid era, inspired by the men and women who paved the way, now faces new challenges in the present day. The United Democratic Front (UDF) stands as a symbol of hope and unity, and its legacy continues to inspire progress. As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the UDF’s founding, it is imperative that we reignite the spirit of people’s power and actively participate in shaping a brighter future for all.
A legacy of struggle and triumph
The UDF emerged from the crucible of apartheid-era South Africa, a response to the oppressive regime that denied the majority justice, freedom and equality. The legacy of the brave warriors, the Rivonia trialists, and the indomitable spirit of the 1976 generation catalysed change. The UDF recognised its responsibility to confront the apartheid regime, leading to its establishment in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain, on 20 August 1983. This marked the birth of a movement that would ignite hope and galvanise the nation.
The UDF: A beacon of unity and freedom
The UDF’s message of attainable freedom in one’s lifetime resonated deeply and quickly spread nationwide. Its actions transcended geographic boundaries, igniting a fire of resistance that united urban and rural areas, cities, towns and townships. The UDF transformed the country into a sea of protest and resistance in less than two years. In the face of brutality and repression, its unwavering spirit led to the release of detainees, the unbanning of the liberation movement and the dawning of freedom.
Forty years on: The quest for a better life
Reflecting on the UDF’s legacy, we cannot ignore the ongoing triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality in South Africa. The hard-won democracy we celebrate must extend beyond periodic elections. The UDF’s battle cry, “The people shall govern!” remains as relevant as ever. We must energise our democracy to ensure that the quality of life improves for all citizens, especially the younger generations born into a free society.
Participatory democracy: From slogan to reality
The essence of the UDF’s struggle was to establish a participatory democracy where the power indeed rests in the hands of the people. We must demand transparency, accountability and engagement from our governance institutions. Legal frameworks such as the Municipal Structures Act, Municipal Systems Act, and the South African Police Services Act provide avenues for citizen participation, oversight and accountability. We must ensure that these mechanisms are enforced, bringing governance closer to the people.
Securing a decent standard of living
The National Development Plan’s call for a decent standard of living aligns with the aspirations of the Constitution. It encompasses essential elements such as housing, education, healthcare, employment and safety. These rights, articulated in the Constitution, should be accessible to all South Africans. We must actively create mechanisms to realise these rights, promote civic participation and demand accountability from state institutions.
Empowerment through education and participation
Empowering citizens begins with education and participation. Establishing school governing bodies (SGBs) can contribute to equality in education, ensuring that every school offers equal opportunities. Active SGBs and community police forums enable citizens to participate in shaping the quality of education and in ensuring safety.
Conclusion
The UDF’s legacy continues to guide us as we navigate the complexities of modern South Africa. As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, we are reminded of our responsibility to actively participate in governance, demand accountability and work towards a better life for all citizens. The spirit of People’s Power lives on, and we must safeguard and nurture the hard-won democracy we fought to achieve. By standing united, engaged and committed, we can transform the ideals of the UDF into a reality that benefits every South African. Aluta Continua!
Titus Mafolo is a UDF40 National Steering Committee Member