Opening Remarks by: the National Chairperson, Cynthia Chishimba - CSUCSA
Programme Director,
Distinguished Guests,
Fellow Leaders of Civil Society,
Representatives from Faith-Based Organisations, Business, Women and Youth Formations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon
It is my honour, as Chairperson of Civil Society Unmuted Coalition SA , to welcome you to this important webinar under the theme: “From Liberation to Inequality.”
This theme speaks directly to the painful contradictions of our democratic journey as a nation. South Africa’s liberation was built on the dreams of justice, equality, dignity, and shared prosperity.
Many sacrificed their lives believing that freedom would restore humanity, create opportunities, and dismantle systems of exclusion and oppression.
While we celebrate the gains of democracy and constitutional freedom, we must also confront the difficult reality that millions of South Africans continue to live under the heavy burden of poverty, unemployment, inequality, gender-based violence, hunger, social exclusion, and limited economic opportunities.
For many communities, especially at grassroots level, liberation has not yet translated into economic justice or improved quality of life. Young people remain unemployed despite their qualifications. Women continue to carry the disproportionate burden of poverty and caregiving. Rural communities still struggle with access to basic services. Citizens increasingly feel disconnected from governance systems and democratic processes meant to serve them.
These realities demand honest reflection and collective action.
As civil society, we have a responsibility to create platforms that amplify community voices, encourage civic participation, and promote accountability and social justice. We believe that democracy cannot survive where inequality continues to deepen and where citizens lose hope in public institutions.
This webinar therefore provides an important opportunity for us to engage critically on the state of our democracy, the growing socio-economic divide, and the urgent need to rebuild a people-centred development agenda.
At , we remain committed to strengthening civic infrastructure, promoting active citizenship, and advancing social cohesion through our district model and community-based programmes across the country.
We believe sustainable solutions must emerge from inclusive dialogue, collaboration, and grassroots participation.
Today’s discussion is not merely academic. It is about the lived realities of our people. It is about restoring dignity.
It is about ensuring that the promise of liberation becomes meaningful for every household, every community, and every generation.
As we engage today, let us move beyond diagnosing problems and begin strengthening partnerships and practical solutions that can contribute towards a more equal, ethical, and inclusive society.
I wish to sincerely thank all our speakers, partners, and participants for joining us and contributing to this important national conversation.
Let us use this platform to reflect honestly, engage courageously, and work collectively towards a South Africa where liberation is not only political, but social and economic as well.
I thank you.
Cynthia Chishimba
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