Racism dark clouds hang over Freedom Day

Winnie-Madikizela-Mandela

Former President of the ANC Women's League, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, has warned perpetrators of racist incidents in the country that they may provoke the anger of former freedom fighters.

Madikizela-Mandela was addressing thousands of people who gathered at the Zuka Baloyi stadium in Welkom. She says the Free State as a province has again reminded South Africans that racism is still alive. She cited a recent incident at the University of the Free State as an example.

The unveiling of 14 tombstones of late members of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) reminded Madikizela-Mandela of her 10 years banishment in the province by the apartheid regime.

She raised concerns about the plight of former MK cadres who are still alive. Madikizela-Mandela says the cadres feel that the time has come for government to do an immediate audit of State-controlled land and farms.

Celebrations were concluded by the unveiling of a plaque with names of the fallen heroes at the city centre.

No celebratory mood
Meanwhile, the country celebrates 14 years of freedom tomorrow. However, not everyone is in a celebratory mood. Poverty and unemployment are still very high.

There are fears that racism is still alive and kicking. This year thousands families still face the prospect of another biting cold winter in their tin shacks. The rainy season also brings misery to these families. This is in stark contrast to life in the suburbs.

It seems 14 years into democracy, South Africans still need to ask themselves some uncomfortable questions about just how much progress has really been made.