There’s an African proverb that says, “until the lions have their historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” – Chinua Achebe.
A quarter of a century into democracy, statues, and relics of apartheid still symbolise the rule of the oppressor. All around us, the statues or names of Paul Kruger, Hendrik Brand, Christiaan de Wet and Francis Reits still stand defiant. It would be farfetched to expect all these names to be erased from the archives of history, however, it would be naïve to expect the majority of South Africans to celebrate and embrace these apartheid icons with pride.
Times have changed, and we must be frank and recognise that all Apartheid era relics have no place in South Africa’s new dispensation. For many black South Africans, these symbols only serve as a reminder of the tyrannical past, a reminder of an era worth forgetting.
The colonial and apartheid statues and monuments in South Africa that flourished during the colonialism and imperialism settlement are ‘tools of cultural and political dominance’ that must be dealt with within the context of heritage transformation.
It is evident that this justification led to the conquest, destabilisation, and disintegration of African societies and African families, and the obliteration of African values, culture, heritage, and symbols through violent colonial means. Thus, whenever colonialism and imperialism found its expression, it did this firstly through violent means, secondly, by placing new cultural and political symbols which entrenched colonial dominance and fear in the psyche of the majority.
Right The Law has the view that some statues and monuments do not add value to social cohesion nor to the project of building a new and united nation because of their inaccurate design. These relics and symbols do not have a content and context that promotes one single South African identity. They do not help to ‘heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights…’ (Preamble of South African constitution).
However, we acknowledge that since democracy’s inception, many laws were put into place to correct the wrongs of Apartheid. Although these laws provided room for progression, a lot more needs to be done to demonstrate the advancement of democracy. As a nation, we are still in the process of rewriting our history to one of inclusion. Right The Law believes that the heritage of previously disadvantaged groups must be put in the forefront. It is time to have uncomfortable conversations about our past and to address the efficiency of the law in propelling change. Right The Law believes that the lingering relics and symbols of a bygone era ought to be confronted.
As a social gladiator that aims to litigate for legislative change on behalf of the majority, we aim to uphold our law system and correct it where need be. Let us rally together under one banner to advance the laws that build and abolish the laws that divide. The only way we can ensure that our democracy produces fruit worthy of the labours of the liberation struggle is to ensure that our laws are in alignment with the values of the majority.
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.