The ASC Peacebuilders Blog

“A unity/commonality of feeling, purpose, expression and/or interest, whether as applied to individuals, groups/organisations, classes and/or societies.” Dr Dale T McKinley, Anti-Privatisation Forum

“Working together and supporting other people’s causes for the betterment of the out come.” Nora Tapiwa, Global Zimbabwe Forum –SA

“Solidarity means showing support and sympathy, and being concerned about the living conditions of oppressed and marginalised people.” Mr Malose Langa, lecturer and psychologist

"In the search for liberation, 'solidarity' means following the leadership/guidance and strategic/tactical requests of those who are most vigorously fighting oppression, especially in cases where historical responsibility means that an oppressor nation or group has the obligation to take solidaristic action as a first step to that nation/group making reparations for historic oppression." Patrick Bond, UKZN Centre for Civil Society, Durban, South Africa

“Raising your voice and acting against injustices inflicted upon the peoples and the environment is true solidarity aimed at building a harmonious, just and peaceful world.” Makoma Lekalakala, Earthlife Africa

Having achieved our own freedom, we can fall into the trap of washing our hands of difficulties that others faces. Yet we would be less than human if we did so. It behoves all South Africans, themselves erstwhile beneficiaries of generous international support, to stand up and be counted among those contributing actively to the cause of freedom and justice.
Even during the days of negotiations, our own experience taught us that the pursuit of human fraternity and equality - irrespective of race or religion - should stand at the centre of our peaceful endeavours. The choice is not between freedom and justice, on the one hand, and their opposite, on the other. Peace and prosperity; tranquillity and security are only possible if these are enjoyed by all without discrimination. Nelson Mandela

“It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.” Kwame Nkrumah

We are fighting not to indigenise oppression but to transform the status quo in the name of justice and equality. Where there is no justice, we must speak out.” Samora Machel, assassinated president of Mozambique

“[Our solidarity struggle precisely fights for the establishment of] the principle that governments should derive legitimacy through the consent of the [people]. Democratic institutions are, therefore, not privileges that may be extended or withheld at the discretion of those who wield power. They are entitlement and a right [for the people]. [Our solidarity realises that] democracy is not [and will never be] a luxury that is far too expensive for peoples and countries emerging from decades of colonial domination. [It is] not merely the right to participate in elections every few years. It a complex institutional framework that serves to secure the ordinary citizen against all forms of arbitrary authority, whether secular of ecclesiastical.” Z Pallo Jordan, ANC Today, Volume 8, No 19, 16-22 May 2008

“Human solidarity has been a cornerstone of the fight against injustice and oppression. Solidarity which is premised on an understanding that we share common humanity can be demonstrated in a variety of ways - social, economic, political, moral or ethical. South Africa’s own liberation struggle was made possible by the solidarity demonstrated by millions across the world. South Africans equally, have both a model and ethical obligation to show solidarity with oppressed people where ever they may be. However, in most cases South African solidarity is selective in nature, often based on political constituencies. South African civil society should be more proactive and should exert greater pressure on governments if effective solidarity is to be realised.” Jody Kollapen, chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission