Reconciliation Day 2023: A People’s Pride in a Country, but Not in Their Government

As South Africa commemorates Reconciliation Day, a momentous occasion on the nation’s calendar, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) stands united with fellow South Africans in celebrating the spirit of South Africanism, emphasizing nationhood, and advocating for unity. While the day is marked by pride in the nation’s identity and a shared desire for a united, diverse South Africa, the UDM acknowledges the pressing issues that persist in the shadows of the country’s history.

Reconciliation, as articulated by the UDM, goes beyond a mere celebration; it is a call for individuals to take responsibility in the fight against racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerances. While many South Africans find a common ground in their national identity and peacefully coexist despite differences, the specter of apartheid continues to cast a shadow on the present, with the government’s response drawing criticism from various quarters.

The UDM recognizes that the legacies of apartheid linger, shaping the contours of contemporary South Africa. In particular, the party contends that the government has fallen short in addressing the backlogs and imbalances inherited from the past. Over the almost three decades of African National Congress (ANC) rule, public trust in government and institutions has eroded significantly, leaving citizens proud to be South African but disheartened by their government’s performance.

The ANC, according to the UDM, has failed to adequately maintain and expand infrastructure inherited from the apartheid era. State-owned enterprises, essential for the nation’s development, are allegedly being mismanaged and pillaged, resulting in a detrimental impact on taxpayers and citizens who bear the brunt of inadequate service delivery.

In response to these challenges, the UDM positions itself as the answer, offering a party platform and core values that resonate with the spirit of reconciliation. The party’s principles include respect for life, dignity, and human worth; integrity in public and private life; adherence to individual rights and freedoms enshrined in the constitution; tolerance and respect for others’ rights and freedoms; solidarity in the common spiritual ownership of the nation’s virtues; national self-discipline based on the acceptance of corresponding obligations and responsibilities; moral regeneration for a clear distinction between right and wrong; economic policies grounded in moral values; and freedom of religion and worship.

As South Africans observe Reconciliation Day, the UDM extends its best wishes to the nation, emphasizing a commitment to fostering genuine unity, addressing historical injustices, and promoting a government that aligns with the values of its citizens.