Mandela Day: What his legacy means in today’s South Africa
As South Africa grapples with inequality and division, Mandela Day has taken on new political significance. Johannesburg, South Africa – Nelson Mandela Day has become
As South Africa grapples with inequality and division, Mandela Day has taken on new political significance. Johannesburg, South Africa – Nelson Mandela Day has become the backdrop for a wider debate in South Africa over the values the former president represented, as the country grapples with inequality, economic frustration and growing divisions over how to address social problems. That debate has been sharpened this year by the decision of March and March, a coalition of anti-immigration activists that has organised protests across South Africa in recent months, to use Mandela Day activities to inspect businesses in towns across the Eastern Cape, Mandela’s home province, and identify undocumented workers and businesses they allege are operating illegally. The move has drawn condemnation from the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which says using Mandela Day to target migrants undermines the principles of dialogue, constitutionalism and human dignity that shaped Mandela’s public life. Instead of dedicating Mandela Day’s traditional 67 minutes to community service, March and March says it will use the occasion to physically remove undocumented immigrants from towns and workplaces. The group argues that the government has failed to secure the country’s borders, enforce immigration laws and prioritise job opportunities for South Africans. Nelson Mandela International Day, marked July 18, was established by the United Nations in 2009. The 67 minutes of service are a tribute to the 67 years Mandela devoted to public life and the struggle for justice.
Mbongiseni Buthelezi, chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, told Al Jazeera that groups using the occasion to target immigrants were turning a day of service into one of division. “What we do see now is something that is quite divisive and quite unhelpful, and it is something that we absolutely condemn,” he said. “We have seen some groups saying they are going to use Mandela Day to rid cities of immigrants. We condemn that unequivocally. That is unacceptable.” A country under pressure The dispute comes as South Africa faces intense economic pressure, including high unemployment, inequality and frustration over public services. March and March argues that undocumented migrants contribute to job competition and place pressure on communities already struggling with limited opportunities. The movement has called for tighter border controls and stronger enforcement of immigration laws. Critics say migrants have become a focus for anger over wider government failures. Buthelezi said South Africa’s economic and social challenges should not be blamed on migrants. “We are living through a very difficult moment where many opportunistic actors are seizing upon the very real grievances that many people have about the failings of the state,” he said. “But we need to separate those two things. The failings of the state are not the responsibility of immigrants in South Africa.” The government has condemned xenophobia while increasing immigration enforcement.
The BriefWire