AMONG the many positives of South Africa’s young democracy is its secular republican and notably civic national identity, embryonic as it may be.
The constitution ensures that no single indigenous ethnic language or culture shapes South Africa’s national identity. We may crack jokes about Heritage Day, but it is precisely meant to provide various groups – who are loyal to their personal or group identity – the opportunity to celebrate their culture with friends and family.
By leaving racial, cultural, ethnic or any other identity for celebration at home with family and friends, effectively removing it from public and state-driven nationalism, a civic national identity is strengthened. This identity promotes inclusivity, as well as diversity, tolerance, individual and groups rights and equality, and eschews ethnocentrism or racial (and ethnic) chauvinism as the basis for loyalty and “belonging” to the state. ..
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THE SEPERATION OF NATION AND STATE
The constitution can save SA from nationalists’ dream of a Year Zero
The country's blueprint is still our lodestar. If adhered to, it can prevent the country from retreating into tribalism, writes ISMAIL LAGARDIEN.
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AMONG the many positives of South Africa’s young democracy is its secular republican and notably civic national identity, embryonic as it may be.
The constitution ensures that no single indigenous ethnic language or culture shapes South Africa’s national identity. We may crack jokes about Heritage Day, but it is precisely meant to provide various groups – who are loyal to their personal or group identity – the opportunity to celebrate their culture with friends and family.
By leaving racial, cultural, ethnic or any other identity for celebration at home with family and friends, effectively removing it from public and state-driven nationalism, a civic national identity is strengthened. This identity promotes inclusivity, as well as diversity, tolerance, individual and groups rights and equality, and eschews ethnocentrism or racial (and ethnic) chauvinism as the basis for loyalty and “belonging” to the state. ..
Registreer gratis om hierdie artikel te lees.
Hallo! Welkom by Vrye Weekblad. Ons inhoud is nou in Afrikaans én Engels beskikbaar.
Al wat jy hoef te doen om gratis te begin lees, is om met jou e-pos te registreer en ’n wagwoord te skep.
Om dit te doen, kliek eenvoudig op “REGISTREER”.
Reeds geregistreer? Kliek op “MELD AAN” om voort te gaan.
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Volgende artikelIsmail Lagardien
WriterLagardien, a visiting professor at the Wits University School of Governance, has worked in the office of the chief economist of the World Bank, as well as the secretariat of the National Planning Commission.