The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) has strongly opposed Afriforum and SAAI’s recent call for international sanctions against Julius Malema over his performance of a struggle song. FOSA considers this move to be entirely misguided, dangerous, and a threat to our democracy.
Many South Africans grew up singing these songs during the darkest days of apartheid. These songs were not rooted in hatred but served as a means to soothe our pain and bolster our resilience in the fight for freedom. They are an integral part of our history, our cultural heritage, and our journey towards healing.
To now advocate for sanctions against an individual simply for singing a struggle song is nothing short of an attack on the fundamental right to freedom of speech. South Africa’s Constitution safeguards the right to free expression, and no organisation has the authority to criminalise our history or silence the voices that sustained us during our liberation struggle.
FOSA urges Afriforum and SAAI to cease weaponising our history to sow division amongst South Africans. Instead of pursuing sanctions, they should show respect for the sacrifices made by those who fought to secure the freedom we enjoy today.
Freedom of speech remains a non-negotiable right, and struggle songs continue to be an essential part of South Africa’s soul and identity.
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