Residents, community leaders and politicians had a dialogue on social cohesion where the South Africa flag, anthem and history were discussed.
MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane said such dialogues are overdue and should happen more often.
“Our democracy is beginning to experience some challenges because there were so many things that had to be addressed like access to basic services but never concentrated on trying to define who we are as a nation,” she said.
She said people were never able to openly discuss the values of South Africans.
“After the liberation, we (coloureds, Indians and black South Africans), were all classified as black but there was an assumption that we will embrace our blackness.
“There should be more platforms for us to discuss this,” Nkosi-Malobane said.
She also spoke on things that unite the nation.
She compared Americans and their love and respect for their flag and anthem to South Africans.
“Do we understand what our own flag represents?” Nkosi-Malobane asked.
She said it’s the first thing that should unite citizens, followed by the national anthem.
“Another thing that really brings us together is each other and how we co-exist as society,” said Nkosi-Malobane.
It is basic services that divide the nation, she said.
She encouraged black South Africans to complain if they don’t receive good services.
“We don’t complain because of the oppression, something that is abnormal we see as normal.
“Good services can bring together our communities,” Nkosi-Malobane said.
Residents also voiced their concerns on service delivery and opportunities for youth in Eldorado Park.
