On March 24, 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation, emphasizing the importance of standing up against divisive narratives that falsely portray South Africa as a place where people of certain races or cultures are targeted for persecution. This message came just days after South Africa observed Human Rights Day, commemorating the tragic events of March 21, 1960, when 69 unarmed protesters were killed by apartheid police in Sharpeville.
In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa urged South Africans to reject the politics of division, stating, "We need to stand up for the human rights of all people." He expressed concern about rising tensions in various parts of the world, reflecting on how these external issues may lead to internal discord. Ramaphosa's remarks followed recent accusations from US President Donald Trump, who had claimed that South Africa was engaging in land confiscation and mistreating certain groups.
Last month, following Ramaphosa's signing of the controversial Expropriation Bill into law, Trump reacted by terminating all United States Agency for International Development (USAID) aid to South Africa, raising questions over the future of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Addressing these tensions, Ramaphosa stated that South Africans should not allow events in other countries to divide them or turn them against each other.
Since the end of apartheid, South Africa has gained recognition for its commitment to upholding democracy and human rights. Ramaphosa reminded citizens that they should take pride in the inclusive values enshrined in the South African Constitution, which guarantees equal rights regardless of race, gender, or cultural background. He stated, "In South Africa today, there are constitutional protections guaranteed to all racial, cultural and linguistic groups, including their right to enjoy their culture and to use their language."
The president also reflected on the significant progress the nation has made since the first democratic elections in 1994, asserting that South Africa has conducted successive free and fair elections ever since, allowing citizens to participate actively in shaping their country’s future.
Furthermore, Ramaphosa underscored the pivotal role that the free flow of ideas and opinions plays in fostering a vibrant society, stressing that even the most offensive views are protected under the Constitution, so long as they do not incite violence or promote hatred. He noted that democracy flourishes in environments where individuals can express their thoughts freely without fear of retribution.
Reflecting on global human rights issues, Ramaphosa stated, "Human rights are universal and indivisible." He reiterated South Africa's ongoing commitment to solidarity with oppressed groups globally, emphasizing the need for a renewed international human rights movement. Ramaphosa declared, "As a country we will continue to repeat our call for a renewed global human rights movement so that the rights and dignity of all people should be upheld."
Analyzing the complexities faced by societies across the globe, he cited the need for strengthening the United Nations human rights system to ensure that the enjoyment of rights is accessible to all individuals, rather than being a privilege enjoyed by a select few. Reflecting on the state of human rights within South Africa, he encouraged citizens to be vigilant in upholding these rights and nurturing a culture that values human dignity.
In closing, Ramaphosa encouraged all citizens to participate fully in the democratic process and to use the tools at their disposal to safeguard their rights, stating, "Even those with the most offensive views should know that in democratic South Africa, and unlike many other parts of the world, our Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression." His address serves as a reminder that while South Africa has made remarkable strides, the journey towards a fully reconciled nation, grounded in respect for human rights, is ongoing.
