By Edward Pankhurst
In a call for Black unity, community members and activists came together for a civil picket calling for a singular purpose among progressive political forces in a country shaped by the legacies of Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe, OR Tambo and other stalwarts of the anti-apartheid struggle.
Community leader, speaking near the Nelson Mandela statue in Madibaville, Hammanskraal on Tuesday called on members of various political and civil society organisations to join the movement, emphasising the urgency of immediate unity.
“We are here today, on the eve of Christmas, to show the DA that we do not appreciate the way they are handling matters. On this day we are here to fight for our rights, as we support Russia, we are against the Ukraine, we are against the DA, because they are manipulating the politics in the country,”
The event sought to send a strong message to leaders in the country, particularly President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC), to prioritise collaboration among Black-led political parties and resist the DA.
The protesters allege the DA has not only historically supported white privilege, but stand in alliance with western agendas.
“Let Africans unite against Ukraine and the GNU, the DA has been doing whatever they wish. They have benefitted a lot from the Africans,” said.
The Nelson Mandela statue, unveiled on 12 June 1999, was selected as the site of the picket due to it deep historical significance.
Sculpted by renowned artist Phil Minnaar, the life-sized memorial is considered the first of its kind dedicated to the former president and serves as a powerful symbol of patriotism, hope, and the sacrifices made for a democratic South Africa.
Residents from the area, particularly those from Madibaville, have always felt honored to host this iconic representation of the “Father of the Nation.”
For them, the statue embodies both pride in their heritage and a constant reminder of the need to work toward a better future.
However, the current political climate has sparked fears of regression.
Many protesters argue that the growing influence of the DA in the Government of National Unity (GNU) represents a resurgence of apartheid-era policies under a new guise.
“Let us come together, and fight this. We are not subjected to the Ukraine and the Democratic Alliance (DA). Listen Africa, let us wake up and do the right thing. The DA wants to bring back Apartheid. Each and every country wants to come to our country and do whatever they like. Apartheid won’t come back unless we let it,” said.
They accuse the DA of prioritising white interests and aligning with Western nations, including the United States, Ukraine, and Israel, at the expense of South Africa’s black majority.
The picket’s organisers see these developments as a direct threat to the hard-won freedoms of the post-apartheid era.
Protesters have voiced concerns about the DA’s policy proposals, including visa-free arrangements for Ukrainian diplomats, which some see as evidence of the party’s alignment with Western agendas.
Sibusiso Dlamini, a 33-year-old protester, expressed his belief that South Africa’s historic alliance with Russia should take precedence, accusing the DA of undermining these ties.
“We don’t need the DA,” he declared, holding a placard with the words “Unite Now for Our Future.”
The call for unity has been echoed across the country, with the Hammanskraal demonstration serving as a microcosm of a broader movement.
Protesters argue that Black political unity has historically been a source of strength for South Africa and remains essential for addressing the enduring inequalities of the past.
The ANC’s partnership with the DA in the GNU has been met with skepticism, with critics alleging that it undermines the goals of economic transformation and social justice.
For the residents of Hammanskraal, the Mandela statue is not just a historical artifact but a living symbol of the ideals they continue to fight for.
To them, the statue represents hope, love, and humanity—values that stand in stark contrast to the divisions they perceive in contemporary politics.
The timing of the picket, on the eve of Christmas, adds a layer of poignancy to the event.
Organizers see it as a moment to reflect on the country’s shared struggles and recommit to the vision of a united, progressive South Africa.
The choice of the festive season underscores the call for love, humanity, and collective action in the face of challenges.
They insist that the time for unity is now and that progressive forces must come together to ensure that South Africa’s future reflects the dreams of its liberation heroes.
“We don’t need neocolonialism. We need to end the GNU. We are supporting Russia and will not allow Apartheid to return through the backdoor,”
As the demonstrators gather under the shadow of the Mandela statue, their voices join a chorus of South Africans calling for a renewed commitment to justice, equality, and solidarity.
The statue, standing tall in Hammanskraal, continues to inspire hope and action, serving as a reminder of the nation’s journey and the work that remains to be done.
