By Paul Kariuki
The year 2024 marks 30 years since the dawn of democracy in South Africa. Indeed, time flies and many achievements have been made over the past three decades.
It is important to recollect the context in which the country emerged from pre-1994, to appreciate the strides taken by our government towards consolidating democracy in South Africa amid persisting challenges of under-development, poverty, high levels of unemployment and a myriad social ills.
As a citizen collective, the nation, led by the government, has rallied behind initiatives and government programmes to reverse the negative effects of apartheid and rebuilding an inclusive society bound by shared values and a common vision.
However, while there is acknowledgement that significant efforts have been made towards rebuilding the nation, conceptually, the term “social cohesion” has different meanings attached to it across the globe.
For instance, in most countries, the term is associated with the adaptation to multiculturalism, citizens from diverse backgrounds learning to co-exist together peacefully.
In South Africa, the term is conceptually used to connote bringing together citizens who were excluded from anything that would have humanised their existence. The exclusion was primarily based on their race, educational status, geographical background, religion, gender and other socio-economic markers.
Against this background, the term “social cohesion” in the South African context is much more than race, religion, gender and socio-economic features. It is shaped by South Africa’s historical past and it is about holding society together towards inclusion in all aspects of its existence.
Understood from this descriptive point of view, the term connotes an ongoing process, a marathon and not a sprint. Citizens from all walks of life must work daily towards attaining shared values, bound by a common vision, shared challenges and equal opportunities for everyone, irrespective of their race, gender, religion, educational qualifications, social status and position, among other aspects.
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, offers a prescriptive definition of social cohesion, arguing that the term connotes an end to all forms of difference as society embraces its diversity, united towards advancing every citizen’s well-being, strengthening trust and social bonds in society by fighting all forms of exclusion and marginalisation.
While celebrating the journey travelled by South Africans, social relations across racial groups have remained strained over the years. It seems the chasms are widening by the day, as most of the citizenry continue sliding into poverty and unemployment in high numbers.
For instance, the recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey report by Statistics South Africa reported that the unemployment rate rose to 33.5% in the year’s second quarter. This translates to approximately 8.2 million people being unemployed in the country. Unemployment increased across all provinces.
Such high levels of unemployment are unacceptable, as they threaten social cohesion in the country. There is an urgency to find solutions to grow the economy and create sustainable jobs for citizens.
Another recent report, this one by the Inclusive Society Institute, reports that the failure of the government to provide basic services sustainably to citizens and meet their other material needs threatens peaceful co-existence among citizens in communities.
For instance, the increasing spates of xenophobic violence and tendencies in some parts of the country are indicative of citizens wanting to protect their interests. Often African migrants are victims of citizens’ discomforting disappointments.
The question is: How can diverse heritage be used effectively to address the challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty that continually threaten our democracy and build sustainable social cohesion?
First, there is a need for extensive citizen-centred education and community awareness campaigns on social cohesion and multiculturalism targeting citizens in communities. The awareness campaigns can be done by hosting workshops that focus on cultural exchange which can help bridge the gaps between different groups and foster mutual respect. Moreover. Integrating indigenous knowledge systems and cultural history into the educational curriculum can promote understanding and respect for different cultures.
Second, community-led projects that celebrate cultures can strengthen ties among citizens and promote social cohesion. They should be supported by other leaders such as religious counterparts, who are influential in mobilising communities towards building social cohesion in pragmatic ways.
Third, the use of the media as a medium for communication is an important mechanism for consolidating democracy and the promotion of social cohesion by challenging stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive narrative about the South African identity.
Moreover, social media platforms could be used to share useful messages about our diversity and shared common values, thereby enhancing awareness and encouraging dialogues.
Fourth, policy-wise, the government must develop policies that promote inclusivity to ensure that all cultural groups feel valued and respected. This is important for fostering a sense of belonging among all citizens.
In conclusion, social-cohesion building is an important citizens’ task in co-operation with the government toward building a united and prosperous nation. The Constitution provides a good foundation for co-operation, promoting the respect of the law and human rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
However, sustainable social cohesion hinges on social justice. High levels of unemployment, growing inequality, and deepening poverty undermine efforts to build a socially cohesive society. While social cohesion was the foundation upon which the transformation of democratic South Africa was based, social justice is the foundation of its continued existence.
Moreover, social cohesion requires a high sense of belonging, whose foundation is trust among citizens across all racial groups in the country. The diversity of our cultural heritage is an asset and it must be embraced and not used to divide citizens.
* Dr Paul Kariuki is the executive director of the Democracy Development Programme. He writes in his personal capacity.
** The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media