Our country is made up of a diverse range of people, cultures and religions, yet when we come together on Heritage Day on 24 September, we can also celebrate what we’ve built together – a nation that we can be proud of.
Liberty, as a company, can only exist in a world in which we believe in a future – one that’s worth growing. It’s been a tough year for many, and optimism about the future has waned from time to time, but here’s why we still believe in a bright future, and why we love SA:
1. We have a robust democracy: On 3 August, South Africans voted and showed the world that democracy is alive and strong in SA and that it’s something people believe is worth protecting. Our elections were free and fair, well-organised and showed that the power of a single vote can bring about massive change.
2. We have a world-class constitution: The strength of our constitution, and the people who uphold it, have been put to the test many times and still prevails. We’re a country in which people’s rights are protected and where the courts are still respected.
3. We have a world-class budget: SA came third out of 102 countries in the 2015 Open Budget Index, just behind New Zealand and Sweden. That’s a remarkable feat for such a young democracy and talks to the strength of our National Treasury. As it becomes more challenging to meet government spending requirements, the need for a transparent budget becomes even more important.
4. We have a beautiful country: SA consistently wins awards just for being beautiful. Many of our cities and national parks are rated among the best in the world as holiday destinations. We also don’t experience many natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes or cyclones.
5. We have no religious conflict: As we watch, with growing alarm, the increase in terrorist attacks across the world, South Africans can be thankful that despite many of the challenges borne out of our past, such as racism and poverty, religious conflict is not one of them.
As we celebrate the heritage of this amazing country, let’s remember that we have more that pulls us together than draws us apart. We have a future that’s worth protecting and certainly one worth investing in. |
