Introduction.
Way before the bushmen cultivated South African soil, immemorial religion and culture have formed an integral part of the lives of billions of people all around the world. As a nation, we are no different. The core of many people’s ways of life has been influenced by the cultures they were raised in. In fact, a person’s worldview has, in some way, been influenced through the lens of their beliefs and customs. The observation of such has been considered sacred to all who engage in them.
Before 1994, the various segregationist laws prohibited race groups intermingling with one another. Black people were not allowed to use the same amenities or even live in the same areas. Meanwhile, the privileged few, being the minority group and holding oppressive rule over South Africa, ensured that these policies were in operation. Black people were even liable to be arrested if they were found in white areas after hours. Over 2 decades later, the majority question how much has changed.
Observation of Cultural Practices.
For many South Africans, the slaughtering of animals is a fundamental aspect of the economic, social and spiritual life. Under the apartheid regime, these events generally took place in rural areas or urban townships designated for black people. It is true that since the transition to democracy in the early ’90s, increased suburban mixing exposed established middle-class white residents to the cultures of African black people. One of which is the slaughtering of animals as part of religious and cultural expression.
Currently, the constitution accords both culture and religion, equal recognition and protection, and the law have provided the covering for all to practice their respective faith. However, with regards to African cultural spirituality and practices, our complexes, estates, and municipal bylaws have failed to protect the interests of the majority. It is prohibited for the state to discriminate against anyone on grounds which include, amongst others, ‘religion, conscience, and belief’.
South Africa is a multicultural country that is both religious and culturally diverse. Our nation can only begin to flourish where all religions, cultures and other systems of belief are given an equal measure of protection and recognition by all spheres of society and not only by organs of the state. We all need to exercise deference when adjudicating religious and spiritual issues. Right The Law seeks for the establishment of an accountable platform.
Although the law grants freedom of movement and the liberty to live wherever one desires, various municipal bylaws need to be adjusted to grant people the freedom to practice their religion, culture, and heritage in estates and complexes. Right The Law seeks to advance the changing of these laws to ensure that cultural practices are not discriminated against. As a social justice movement, we want to ensure that all South Africans live equally under the law. Most importantly, we will lobby for legislative change that will ensure that our democratic laws are in alignment with the cultural values of the majority. We want to ensure that Black South Africans are at liberty to practice their culture without being prohibited by the law.
Join Us
We invite all interested parties, organisations, and individuals to join our movement. To support our causes in righting the law and turning the tide. Be part of history. Let us unite our voices.
Forward. As one. We turn the tide.