| By Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity On Sunday, South Africa celebrated Freedom Day, a day steeped in memories of collective struggle, sacrifice and solidarity across borders. The day recalls the sense of hope that came with transition to democracy and prompts reflection on the work that remains to ensure the country fulfils its democratic promise. To mark the occasion, we are sharing ‘love letters’ from our Senior Fellows to South Africa. These brief, on-the-spot reflections on the country’s journey and hopes for its future were recorded at our gathering last November, themed ‘A Love Letter to South Africa’, to commemorate three decades of democracy. |
| “We need to try and organise ourselves for complete and total liberation of South Africa,” Musawenkosi Cabe said in his love letter. “We need to be as inclusive as possible and never leave anyone outside in our conceptions of freedom and equality.” Echoing this sentiment that more work is needed for the country to live up to its ideals, Khanyisa Nomoyo said, “We have a lot of work to do collectively to make the space better.” |
| Part of this work is for people to challenge themselves to keep striving for freedom for themselves and others, Ronald Wesso suggested in his love letter. “If you want to fulfil your mission as a human,” Ronald said, “I really believe it lies in fighting any instance and every form of oppression with everything that you have.” Amid all that remains to be done, the idea of South Africa itself is up for contestation and reimaging. For Lwando Xaso, this means thinking of South Africa as a daring idea “that can be held by anyone, anywhere, citizen or not” and as a bridge from an unjust past to an abundant future. It means asking if South Africa is possible or not. “And no is an unthinkable answer,” Lwando said. |
| We hope that these messages of hope and possibility inspire your own reflections on the country’s journey so far and future ahead. |
Our Fellows’ ‘Love Letters’ to South Africa
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