Introduction
In a powerful statement that has sparked debate across South Africa, political figure Ntuli has declared that the Freedom Charter — once the cornerstone of the country’s liberation struggle — has lost its relevance in today’s political climate. His remarks have reignited conversations about whether the ideals that once united a nation still hold meaning in a post-apartheid society facing new and complex challenges.
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A Historic Document
Adopted in 1955 at the historic Congress of the People in Kliptown, the Freedom Charter remains one of the most important political documents in South African history. Drafted under the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) in cooperation with its allies in the Congress Alliance—which included groups such as the South African Indian Congress (SAIC), the South African Congress of Democrats (COD), and the Coloured People’s Congress (CPC)—the Charter represented a bold and inclusive vision for a future South Africa, one based on equality, democracy, and human rights.
At a time when apartheid was intensifying and racial oppression was deeply entrenched in every aspect of life, the Freedom Charter emerged as both a strategic response to injustice and a declaration of hope for a new, united nation.
The Congress of the People itself was a landmark event. Tens of thousands of volunteers had gone across the country in the early 1950s to collect “freedom demands” from ordinary South Africans. These demands were gathered from cities, townships, rural areas, factories, and farms—an unprecedented grassroots consultation that gave voice to the aspirations of millions.
These submissions formed the basis of the Freedom Charter’s content, making it not only a political statement but also a people’s manifesto. The inclusive process of its creation symbolized the Charter’s central message: that the future of South Africa must be decided by all of its people, regardless of race, class, or gender.
When delegates gathered in Kliptown over two days—June 25 and 26, 1955—the atmosphere was both celebratory and defiant. Under heavy police surveillance, nearly 3,000 people assembled to ratify the Charter. Despite the dangers involved, this event demonstrated the power of unity among South Africans of all backgrounds in their common struggle against apartheid. The gathering was abruptly broken up by the police on the second day, but the Charter had already been read aloud and approved in principle by those present. This event further solidified the document’s symbolic power as a collective stand against oppression.
The Freedom Charter is composed of ten key clauses, each addressing a specific area of societal transformation. Among its most famous declarations are:
- “The People Shall Govern!” – advocating for a fully democratic state in which all South Africans, regardless of race, would have the right to vote and participate in government.
- “All National Groups Shall Have Equal Rights!” – a direct challenge to the apartheid system of racial classification and segregation.
- “The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth!” – calling for the nationalization of key industries and economic redistribution to address the deep inequalities fostered by colonialism and apartheid.
- “The Land Shall Be Shared Among Those Who Work It!” – advocating for land reform and the return of land to the dispossessed majority.
- “There Shall Be Work and Security!” and “There Shall Be Houses, Security and Comfort!” – pushing for employment rights, decent wages, and access to housing for all.
- “The Doors of Learning and of Culture Shall Be Opened!” – demanding universal access to quality education and cultural life.
- “There Shall Be Peace and Friendship!” – promoting peaceful coexistence both within South Africa and with the global community.
Each clause responded to a real injustice experienced by millions. In this way, the Charter did not offer vague or theoretical ideals; rather, it translated lived experiences of oppression into specific political and economic demands. This concrete grounding gave the document enormous resonance.
At the time of its publication, however, the Charter was condemned as subversive and revolutionary by the apartheid regime. The state responded with brutal repression. In 1956, more than 150 anti-apartheid activists—including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Oliver Tambo—were arrested and charged with treason for their involvement in the Congress of the People and the adoption of the Charter. These arrests led to the infamous Treason Trial, which lasted until 1961 and ultimately failed to convict the accused. Despite the legal defeat, the government’s aim was clear: to crush the growing unity among anti-apartheid forces and discredit the Freedom Charter.
Nevertheless, the Charter continued to serve as a moral compass and strategic blueprint for the liberation struggle. Throughout the decades that followed, especially during the 1960s to the 1980s when internal resistance intensified and international solidarity grew, the Freedom Charter was referenced repeatedly by leaders in exile, underground activists, trade unions, and student movements. It became a symbol not just of resistance to apartheid but of the vision for what South Africa could be after liberation.
Importantly, when the apartheid system finally began to collapse in the early 1990s, and South Africa entered negotiations for a new democratic order, many of the Charter’s principles found their way into the interim and final post-apartheid Constitution of 1996. That Constitution—hailed worldwide as one of the most progressive—includes many echoes of the Charter, including guarantees of universal suffrage, equality before the law, freedom of expression, and socio-economic rights such as access to housing, education, and healthcare.
However, the transition from aspiration to implementation has been uneven. While the Freedom Charter was undeniably influential in shaping the democratic South Africa, critics argue that much of its economic vision—particularly around wealth redistribution and land reform—remains unfulfilled. Large sectors of the population continue to experience poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The wealth of the country, although no longer exclusively in the hands of a white minority, remains concentrated among a small elite, leading to renewed calls to revisit the Charter’s original economic demands.
Supporters of the Charter argue that its relevance has not diminished, but rather, it must be reinvigorated. They suggest that the Charter is not a relic of the past, but a living document—one that must continue to inspire political action and policy-making. Its power lies in its ability to articulate a shared vision of justice, dignity, and equality, which is just as important today as it was in 1955.
On the other hand, some believe that the Charter belongs to a particular historical moment and must be revised or replaced to reflect the realities of 21st-century South Africa. Issues such as environmental justice, digital access, gender inclusivity, and corruption were not explicitly addressed in the original text and require new frameworks. Still, even these voices often acknowledge the Charter’s symbolic value and its role in mobilizing collective action.
The Freedom Charter was not merely a product of its time—it was a courageous and radical declaration of what South Africa ought to be. It emerged from a bottom-up process, representing the voices of ordinary people across the racial and class spectrum, united in the face of state-sanctioned oppression. Whether viewed as a historical artifact or a living guidepost, its enduring impact on South Africa’s political and moral landscape cannot be overstated. As the country continues to wrestle with inequality, governance challenges, and evolving social dynamics, the Freedom Charter remains a point of reference—both as a reminder of unfinished work and as a beacon of democratic possibility.
Ntuli’s Critique
Speaking at a political forum in Durban last week, Ntuli voiced his concern that the ideals contained in the Freedom Charter have been “abandoned or selectively applied” in post-apartheid governance. According to him, the promises made to the people — especially concerning economic freedom, housing, land redistribution, and equal access to quality education — remain largely unfulfilled.
“The Charter has been reduced to a ceremonial slogan. It is quoted on anniversaries, but not lived in practice,” Ntuli stated.
“We have a constitution, yes, but many of the Charter’s principles have been compromised by corruption, inequality, and the centralization of power.”
Socioeconomic Disparities Persist
Critics of the government have often pointed out that South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world. Despite significant political progress, economic empowerment for the majority remains limited. According to a 2024 report by the World Bank, over 55% of South Africans live below the national poverty line, and the unemployment rate hovers around 32%.
These conditions starkly contrast with the Charter’s promise that “There Shall Be Work and Security.” For Ntuli and others who share his view, the failure to transform the economy into one that serves the majority of citizens is a clear indication that the Charter’s values have not been implemented meaningfully.
Generational Shift in Perspectives
Younger generations, born after the fall of apartheid, view the Freedom Charter with a mix of reverence and skepticism. While they acknowledge its historical importance, many feel that its messages are outdated or inadequately adapted to contemporary challenges such as climate change, gender-based violence, and digital inequality.
Some analysts argue that clinging too rigidly to the Charter may prevent innovative policy-making, while others insist that revisiting its core principles could rejuvenate the national dialogue and restore trust in democratic institutions.
Toward a New Social Contract?
Ntuli concluded his speech by calling for a “renewed social contract” — one that draws from the spirit of the Freedom Charter but responds to the 21st-century realities of South Africa. He urged political leaders across the spectrum to engage in honest dialogue with citizens, especially the youth, about the kind of future they want to build.
“We must move beyond symbolic gestures. The time has come to draft a new vision — informed by the past, but not shackled by it.”
External References
- The Freedom Charter (South African History Online)
- World Bank: South Africa Economic Update, 2024
- ANC’s Historical Documents
- Stats SA – Unemployment and Poverty Trends
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