Why the 20th August should be a Public Holiday....
Rightfully, many of our public holidays celebrate our History. But the one which should be celebrated the most, '20th August' is hugely ignored.
Why the 20th August ?
It was on this day, 29 years ago that the United Democratic Front was Launched in Rocklands, Athlone in Cape Town.
Please fellow readers and bloggers, before over-reacting, read on.
Firstly, let's understand what the UDF was.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) was an anti-apartheid body that incorporated many anti-apartheid organisations. It called for a united front of churches, civic associations, trade unions, student organizations, and sports bodies. This was achieved successfully, and led to the Internal Uprising of the resistance. It united the country in an unprecedented way. It crossed the racial divide and created a United (Black and White) opposition to an illegitimate Apartheid Government.
But the principles it was based on was Noble. It was a Moral, Social and inclusive entity, that stood together for the future and benefit of our Country. No individual was blinded by Greed, Corruption, Racism and Enrichment.
It’s Slogan was ‘UDF Unites – Apartheid Divides’.
A reflection of what South Africans are all about. A deep seated Love for Our Country.
Truly a Good enough reason for a Public Holiday. 29 Years later, we plagued by Corruption, Tenderpreneurship, incompetence, Nepotism. All this while the Masses are getting poorer, our kids are not being educated, our Health system faces serious challenges, Mysterious E-Tolls appearing. Our country needs a Moral Re-generation as experienced on the 20th August 1983. Our kids need to be constantly reminded of this very Important Day.
As we did in 1983, we need to Embrace Mamphela Ramphele’s ‘Citizens Movement for Social Change ‘. We need to re-inculcate the need for the Passion we had then, and embrace initiatives like this, so that we can walk proudly and say I Love Being South African !!!!!!!
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