Submitted by Farouk Cassim
The Freedom Charter’s first substantive clause boldly declares that “The People Shall Govern!” The instrumentalities are: equality and the franchise for all regardless of race, colour or sex; the right to stand as public representatives for legislative bodies; the right to “take part in the administration of the country”; and the right to create democratic organs of self-government”. In conformity with those ideals South Africa created a representative democracy with human rights enshrined in a constitution supporting popular, collective self-empowerment.
It is in respect of popular, collective self-empowerment where our democracy has lagged behind. This is because bureaucracy sees it function as controlling, checking, and approving rather than facilitating, supporting or empowering. Who hasn’t had that experience of being pushed and shoved and delayed by bureaucrats and officials. Who has felt like having governed or experienced the state as serving the people’s interest? How many people encountered a bureaucracy that facilitated matters for them and did not simply send them from pillar to post. All those who had a very favourable encounter will bureaucracy will see no need for change. Everyone else will want to see substantial change.
The South African Democratic Congress says that the people shall govern. That means you. The proviso though is that people should seize the opportunity and never relinquish it again.
