FREEDOM is not a state; it is an act. These words by John Lewis resonate deeply as we reflect on the meaning of freedom in South Africa today.

The word “freedom” is so frequently used — and often abused — that it risks becoming a cliché. Yet, its essence remains profound and indispensable. In her book Another Freedom, Svetlana Boym offers a fresh perspective on this age-old concept.

Exploring the cross-cultural history of freedom — from ancient Greece to the present — Boym argues that imagining freedom requires contemplating both “what is” and “what if”. She examines relationships between freedom and liberation, modernity and terror, political dissent and creative estrangement. While highlighting global differences, she affirms lasting solidarities rooted in critical reflection.

Boym’s nuanced portrait of freedom carries implications for the future, urging us to think critically about the constraints shaping our lives while envisioning possibilities for progress.

The German-American historian Hannah Arendt famously called freedom “the raison d’être of politics”. The concept often oscillates between abstraction and ideal, exemplified by Isaiah Berlin’s notions of negative and positive liberty, and Philip Pettit’s idea of freedom as non-domination. Yet, in lived experience, freedom is shaped by context-specific constraints and expressed through cultural practices.

Joanna Williams, in Academic Freedom in an Age of Conformity, argues that the freedom to challenge conventions is vital for individual liberty and societal progress. This principle dates back centuries, notably to Immanuel Kant, who in 1784 described enlightenment as “freedom to make public use of one’s reason”.

Kant’s ideas influenced thinkers like John Stuart Mill, who emphasised the necessity of freedom for intellectual growth, and Albert Einstein, who argued that “intellectual and individual freedom” drives advances in knowledge and invention.

In How Democracies Live: Power, Statecraft, and Freedom in Modern Societies, Stein Ringen observes that democracy has faced significant challenges in the 21st century. After the triumph of democracy at the end of the Cold War, core democracies like those in America and Britain succumbed to polarisation and misrule.

Dictatorships grew assertive, while new democracies embraced ideologies of “illiberal democracy”. Ringen argues that democracy must be rooted in a culture enabling citizens to exchange views and information freely with each other and their leaders.

South Africa’s journey underscores the importance of civic leadership in preserving freedom. As Brian O’Connell notes in Civil Society: The Underpinnings of American Democracy, the greatest threats to democracy often come from within. Misunderstandings about what democracy entails and its relevance to governance can undermine even the strongest systems.

Chief Justice Warren Burger aptly summarised the role of constitutional frameworks when he said: “The Constitution does not solve our problems. It allows people the freedom and opportunity to solve their own problems.” Ultimately, the fate of any constitution depends on civic leaders who strengthen institutions and uphold ethical standards.

Freedom comes with responsibility — a truth too often forgotten. Leaders must act decisively, addressing issues TNT (today, not tomorrow). Brian Cowen’s observation rings true: leadership can be isolating, but the practical application of ideas is paramount. Judgments made under pressure will inevitably attract criticism, yet accountability is intrinsic to public service. Those in power bear the burden of decision-making; those outside it must avoid populist rhetoric that offers no real solutions during crises.

Let us remember the sacrifices of those who fought for our liberty. Their courage paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today. Alexander Solzhenitsyn once remarked: “Courage and victory come to us only when we are prepared to make sacrifices.” Law professor Derrick Bell echoed this sentiment, stating that an ethical life enriches daily existence beyond material wealth. We owe it to these patriots to honour their legacy by safeguarding and advancing the ideals they died for.

True freedom is more than the ability to do anything one desires. As Pope John Paul II wisely stated: “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.” It is freedom from oppression, injustice, prejudice, and racism. George Bernard Shaw captured this ethos beautifully when he described the joy of dedicating oneself to a purpose greater than personal gratification. He wrote: “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.”

Such selflessness inspires collective action toward rebuilding lives devastated by floods or striving for a better future for all.

Martin Luther King Jr’s vision of virtuous leadership provides a guiding light. He urged us to create leaders embodying moral principles worthy of trust and confidence. High standards, unwavering support for merit, and a commitment to ethical ambition are essential. In the wake of recent apocalyptic floods, we are reminded of the sacrifices required to rebuild shattered lives and continue forging a brighter tomorrow.

Two roots sustain liberty: human selfhood and divine sonship. Every individual possesses a unique individuality demanding expression. Democratic constitutions derive legitimacy from protecting individual rights. However, unchecked licentiousness leads to Plato’s warning in The Republic: democracy degenerates into tyranny unless balanced by virtue. May we heed this lesson as we navigate uncertainty.

Mark Draper, in his Song of Freedom, reminds us that loving freedom means engaging actively in the political fray. Dwight D Eisenhower emphasised the role of citizenship in preserving democracy, stating: “Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people and preserve what is good and fruitful in our national heritage.”

South Africa’s democracy and freedom have not been spared global challenges. Political and economic uncertainties highlight the depth of our national crisis. Once admired for its resilience, South Africa now shows signs of deterioration. As Nelson Mandela warned, overcoming past obstacles prepares us for current struggles. These are uncertain times, but they demand decisive action. Despite uncertainty, we must pursue long-term goals and adapt our responses to the unique demands of the present. Now is the time to focus on fundamentals.

My fellow compatriots, I am — we are — the proverbial horseshoe nails, and together, we can and will make a difference. Let us resolve never to take our freedom lightly. Together, through total commitment, we shall shape the future of generations to come and safeguard the sacred flame of liberty — a beacon of hope for all humankind.

Let the enduring love for freedom ignite our path forward once again. For if we work together, we shall continue to shape the future of the next generations and safeguard on those shores the sacred flame of liberty that remains a beacon of hope for all humankind.

* Dr Vusi Shongwe works in the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal and writes in his personal capacity.

** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, Independent Media or IOL.

civic leadership

Freedom in the crucible of South Africa's challenges