South Africa today marks World Social Justice Day, an opportunity to reflect on the country’s progress towards equity and justice. Although significant progress has been made since the start of democracy a decade ago, particularly in access to health care, drinking water, electricity and sanitation, many challenges persist.
The global economic crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic have exacerbated the difficulties faced by South African households, with massive job losses and a slow economic recovery. Economic difficulties have been accentuated by price increases linked to the pandemic and conflicts, leading to a cost of living crisis. Unfortunately, budget cuts have hampered the response to this crisis.
At the same time, power outages have intensified over the past two years, affecting the quality of public services in several provinces and municipalities. Likewise, the prevalence of violence, particularly against children and women, remains a concern. Around a quarter of children under the age of five are stunted due to malnutrition, impacting their cognitive development and long-term prospects in the labor market.
These challenges disproportionately affect low-income households, exacerbating social inequalities. Many voices are being raised to express their discontent, calling into question trust in the government. According to a survey by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, more and more South Africans believe that the government is not meeting the needs of the people and that leaders are not trustworthy.
But despite these obstacles, a sense of unity is growing among the South African population. More and more people believe in a united South Africa, emphasizing similarities rather than differences. This highlights the need for deep and challenging transformation to create a more equitable society.
In these uncertain times, volunteering is a promising lever for positive change. Volunteering initiatives focused on parental support, nutrition, safety and psychosocial support for children can have a significant long-term impact. By encouraging greater transparency and demanding accountability, citizens can contribute to more equitable governance and fairer policies.
It is essential to recognize that despite the current challenges, the people of South Africa carry within them the power for change. By rallying around common values and actively engaging in their communities, citizens can help build a more equitable and supportive future for all.