'We Dare Not Stop Working for Freedom': Prince Buthelezi on Freedom Day

The very meaning of the word 'freedom' goes beyond a simple proclamation of independence, or adoption of a constitution that promotes voting rights and democratic freedoms, as all of these must be translated into practice and reflected in people's day-to-day lives, said Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a South African politician and founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), in an interview with Sputnik.

"Freedom to me means more than the freedom to vote. Throughout our liberation struggle, I worked to secure our freedom from want and fear, as much as from political oppression. The rights we have in our democratic Constitution have little meaning if they do not translate into the lived experience of our people," Buthelezi explained.

One of the most prominent liberation leaders during the apartheid era gave his own definition of freedom, saying that for him, it is more of a lifetime struggle for the liberation of South Africans. He noted that he dedicated over four decades of his life to the fight against inequalities in South African society.

Prince Mangosuthu Gatsha Buthelezi

Recalling the days of the anti-apartheid struggle, Buthelezi stated that South Africans embarked on a multi-strategy approach to get rid of the regime. The African National Congress (ANC), being in exile, called for international sanctions to be imposed on the regime and launched an armed struggle. At the same time, Buthelezi's party, the IFP, contributed to the liberation of South Africans maintaining "the principle of non-violent resistance that had been laid at the foundation of Africa's oldest liberation movement."

He noted that with the first multiracial democratic elections held on April 27, 1994, the IFP won over two million votes and managed to secure seats in the Cabinet in the Government of National Unity. At that time, from 1994 to 2004, Buthelezi served as Minister of Home Affairs. The politician stated that he was the one who proposed that April 27 be set aside for commemoration as Freedom Day.

According to Buthelezi, Freedom Day is a reminder for South Africans that everything they fight for, their lifetime goals and ideals are achievable if they persevere and go on with what they are dreaming of.

"Freedom Day commemorates more than an event in our history. It is a reminder of an ideal, and the possibility of attaining an ideal, regardless of the obstacles, if one is willing to pursue it," he underlined.

Buthelezi, who has been a member of parliament for the IFP since 1994, underlined that the highest cost of achieving freedom and unity had been paid by those who lost their lives in the struggle for liberation, and those whose sacrifices were not in vain would be remembered forever.

Features

Nelson Mandela's Struggle and His Legacy for South Africa

5 December 2022, 20:40

"As much as I would like to say that it is our unusual courage, magnanimity or ability to forgive, South Africa's 'peaceful' transition is less due to general qualities in our people than it is to the sustained, committed efforts of true patriots. It took an enormous amount of work behind the scenes to secure peaceful elections," the IFP founder argued.

On the day commemorating one of the most important events of South Africa's history, the politician delivered his message to the younger generation, encouraging them to continue struggling for freedom despite any obstacles in their way, and to believe in what they are doing and remember that everyone's contribution is of critical importance.

"Never give up. Let the success of our past freedom fighters inspire you to keep believing that victory is possible, against the greatest odds. We dare not stop working for freedom, for there is still much to be done before it is fully attained by all South Africans. In this struggle, like in our struggle of the past, every individual contribution is a necessary condition for success," he concluded.

'We Dare Not Stop Working for Freedom': Prince Buthelezi on South Africa's Freedom Day