With South Africa on Tuesday marking Human Rights Day – to commemorate the Sharpeville and Langa massacres decades ago – ANC stalwart Ronnie Kasrils has praised the role of youth in driving social cohesion to erase the remnants of apartheid-era racial and tribal divisions.
In an interview with The Warga on the sidelines of the social cohesion high school competition project, held in Sandton at the weekend, Kasrils who served as cabinet minister for water affairs and intelligence portfolio under president Thabo Mbeki, said the topic “more relevant, very inspiring”.
‘It’s about ubuntu’
He said it was encouraging “to see young people at the forefront of social cohesion projects in South Africa”.
Kasrils said: “As they say, it’s all about ubuntu (humanity).
“Coming together as fellow South Africans is something our country desperately needs, and welcoming with love those who live in our midst from across the border.
“Unless we respect others – show kindness to each other – there is no way to build a positive society and a promising future.
“This is very important in terms of our children’s education.”
Social cohesion campaign
Regarding the importance of the social cohesion campaign – driven at the school level by the Turquoise Harmony Institute – Kasrils said: “Get together in the event of 21St March is highly significant because March 21 is the anniversary of Sharpeville – symbolizing all the struggles and sufferings of our people under colonial oppression and apartheid, something that stripped people of their dignity through division.
“This is very relevant, coming as it is on Human Rights Day.”
Titled “Social Cohesion for a Stronger Community”, the event offers NGOs and educational institutions, working in various fields “the opportunity to connect, debate and collaborate on social cohesion”, according to Turquoise Harmony Institute executive director Ayhan Cetin.
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Explains Cetin: “By creating a network of organizations and schools that work to promote social cohesion, the project aims to provide a platform for different stakeholders to connect and collaborate on this important issue.
“This will help promote a more coordinated and effective approach to achieving social cohesion in South Africa.
“Social cohesion is an important component of sustainable development because it shows the level of connectedness and harmony between groups in society. When a community is socially cohesive, individuals are more likely to have a sense of belonging, trust, and shared goals.
“This leads to a more stable and peaceful society, which is essential for economic and social development.”
In SA, social cohesion is “particularly important, given its diverse population and history of segregation and inequality”.
“South Africa is a country with many ethnic and cultural groups, and creating a sense of unity among them is essential to the country’s success.
“Furthermore, the legacy of apartheid has scarred the country, and social cohesion is necessary for healing and reconciliation.
“Despite many government interventions aimed at promoting social cohesion, South Africa has not emerged as a socially cohesive country.”
The Turquoise Harmony Institute believes that the project can provide young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop projects that promote social cohesion.
the winner
Emerging as the overall winner of the competition, there is Tabish Zaheer Mukhtar from Star College Boys Bridgetown, Cape Town, who came up with “collective catering” – transcending all racial and ethnic boundaries – as an answer to the lack of social cohesion, with people sharing. different foods represent different cultures.
In second place is Mpumelelo Msipa from Horizon International High School in Johannesburg who came with the “Back to my Roots” Museum.
Another winner was Priscilla Kazembe Nizamiye from Mayfair High School in Johannesburg for her presentation on “Empowerment Club against Gender Based Violence”.
Sarah Laher of Nizamiye Al-Azhar Institute in Port Elizabeth won fourth place for her entry – “Tackling mental health stigma for a cohesive society”.
Rahma Diallo and Maha Shaffique from Nizamiye Mayfair High School in Johannesburg won fifth place for their presentation at “compenionsco”.
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