Political thuggery threatens all our democratic gains

07 April 2014 - 02:00 By The Times Editorial
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With only weeks to go before the general election, political intolerance has raised its head once again. A rally of the Economic Freedom Fighters in Thokoza, east of Johannesburg, was disrupted on Saturday, an act that should be condemned by all democracy-loving South Africans.

Disliking EFF leader Julius Malema does not give anyone the right to torch the stage on which he is about to speak.

It was in Thokoza that hundreds of people died in political violence at the dawn of our democracy in clashes between ANC and IFP supporters. People were killed for wearing the wrong T-shirt. Thanks to the efforts of the government and civil organisations, we were able to move on and find peace and tolerance.

It is a shame that 20 years into freedom we are again visited by ugly scenes of intolerance. Those individuals who torched the EFF stage are not only taking us backwards but are derailing democracy. The EFF, like any party, should be given the space to campaign and state its manifesto. We have a duty to protect its voice.

Solomon Mahlangu and others sacrificed their lives for the benefit of everyone, not for a particular voice.

We should spread the message at political rallies that South Africa belongs to all of us, regardless of political affiliation.

As soon as we celebrate the demise of a political formation and encourage violence, we go against the ideals of Nelson Mandela.

The arson at the EFF's Thokoza rally is a reminder that there are some among us who refuse to embrace the future. They think their voice should be the only one heard .

South Africa has come a long way and should not allow itself to be derailed by people who hate democracy.

Let the voices of reason shout and condemn the Thokoza outrage. Let us isolate violence and build tolerance in our communities.

It is only through dialogue and the sharing of the political stage that we will be able to build a better South Africa.

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