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South Africa enters its 21st year of democracy in the year that we also commemorate 60 years since the formation of the Freedom Charter in Kliptown on 26 June 1955. This is regarded as one of the foremost documents setting the tone for our democracy and inclusivity as the document begins with the words, "... South Africa belongs to all who live in it... " These words captured the vision of a unified, egalitarian, free and equal South Africa...

Sixty years later, we can claim to live in a free and democratic society. We have challenges, certainly, but we are essentially a free people living in a country that belongs to us all.

What is significant and must not be forgotten is that democracy is essential for the protection and preservation of a culture of human rights. As we contemplate the recent, and sometimes turbulent happenings in our country, this becomes quite pertinent. And even more important though, is not to forget those who laid their lives down so that we could proclaim; "free at last."

South Africa's brutal history has equally bequeathed a rich and glorious democracy upon our country and its people. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights are often described as some of the most progressive documents in the world - not an insignificant accolade for as young a democracy as ours.

However, our democracy is a multifaceted concept and central to our strong human rights culture comes the weight of responsibility.

Twenty one years later, it is clear that our democracy is firmly entrenched in our country. There is a common understanding of what democracy means and what rights are bestowed on individuals as a result of this democracy.

What must now be asked is how we express these democratic freedoms? What is our individual and collective responsibility to ensure the responsible exercise of these freedoms? South Africa has often been cited as a praiseworthy example of the resilience of the human spirit and the power to rebuild a nation fragmented by a torturous history. The nation building project though is a long process that takes many years and constant re-evaluation of how far we have come. Never losing

We should not lose such remarkable qualities of our nationhood as we seek to express our democratic freedoms. South Africa, even after 20 years of democracy, remains a country in transition. We are in the midst of something referred to as a living democracy - which is simply one that is being forged in relation to new realities.

With rights come responsibilities. It is up to every South African citizen to ensure that we respect one another's rights. Having the right to freedom of speech for example does not mean we have the right to defame, insult or hurt others with our remarks.

Link:
South Africa: Human Rights and Democracy - Two Sides of the Same Coin