Social Cohesion Summit

The Social Cohesion Summit took place recently at the Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto. Among those who attended includes the cabinet, delegates, political and traditional leaders from all sphere of the society.

The summit which was themed “Working together to create a caring and proud society” proved just how much (or little) the country has done in building a socially inclusive society.

United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa said “The government must build an economy that will deal with xenophobia, lawlessness and many others. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is stagnant as a result of corruption in the government, without ownership of land our people are unable to participate in the economy” he further blasted the National economic development and labour council (Nedlac) for failing the nation.

Dehumanisation of Africans will ever be erased, hence social cohesion is a matter where one can’t go through then come out and still be the same. South Africa needs to develop a sense of belonging and promote respect among itself. Social cohesion is not something that the government can impose, we can build a good community only if we work together and that can be possible when there is a balance of rights and responsibilities.

“With the kind of freedom that we have today, what has our government done when it comes to social cohesion, to what extend would the minority go in order to be recognised and be given a piece of cake which they are entitled to. Freedom should lead its citizens to rediscover themselves, explained African People’s Convention (APC) Themba Godi.

WHAT IS SOCIAL COHESION?
Social Cohesion is how we as South Africans, unite and work towards a common goal – it comes down to recognising our common humanity in meaningful ways which involve meeting basic human needs, amongst them decent shelter, food, meaningful work, tolerance, respect, family and friendship.

The social cohesion campaign is called South African at Heart: a national dialogue is kick-started on values that are important and ways we can build social cohesion and nation pride. Diversity, inclusivity, values, and access are four pillars which are built on the Constitution, which guarantees rights to every South African citizen as well as to foreigners.

We are a diverse country, but we also have a shared heritage and values. Our diversity makes us rich; our commonalities make us strong.

ADDITIONAL SOURCE: www.dac.gov.za