Real freedom fighters have played an important role in South Africa’s politics. Over many decades, they always chose to promote freedom, even if it was seen as being “politically incorrect” at the time. Here are five of the major victories for liberalism in South Africa.
For 36 years, Helen Suzman challenged Apartheid legislation from a classical liberal viewpoint. Her visits to Robben Island ensured a spotlight was kept on the political prisoners detained there, and led to significant improvements in their living conditions, while other parliamentarians showed little interest in their fate.
Frederik van Zyl Slabbert’s influence as an anti-Apartheid political leader during the 1980s helped to promote constitutionalism and freedom in a context in which Afrikaner nationalism was pervasive. Today many of the values he fought for are enshrined in the Constitution.
When the ANC came to power, few parties were confident enough to demand that it be accountable to parliament. The Democratic Party, which is now known as the Democratic Alliance, played an important role in keeping the ANC accountable. It has succeeded in providing voters with an alternative, so keeping South Africa’s democracy robust.
South Africa has always been beset by race law, resulting in discrimination against communities. The liberal tradition has always opposed these laws, due to its commitment to equality of opportunity and fairness.
When the South African government implemented its lockdown strategy, liberal thinkers and policy experts at the South African Institute of Race Relations came together and provided an alternative policy to challenge the harsh approach adopted by ANC politicians.
South Africa owes a great deal of gratitude to the REAL freedom fighters who, through courage and determination, waged important battles to secure the freedom of South Africans. For REAL freedom fighters, this was part of their long and hard fight for non-racialism, even before it was enshrined in the Constitution. Today, liberals are continuing the fight for freedom, and you have the option of choosing to join them in supporting their efforts.
Cover image source available here.
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