As a democratic country we have one of the most
democratic constitutions in the world, and I believe that we as a new South
Africa, we have come to misinterpret the rights that we have. Responding to the
recent Zuma Painting if my memory serves me well, all citizens have a right to
freedom of expression whether it be through art, music, poetry or any other
possible form. These rights are recognized as important elements of our
democracy.
But we have become a community that has forgotten that
there is a difference between practicing your rights to freely expressing
yourself- and abusing those rights. When one freely expresses himself/herself
it should not be at the expense of another person’s dignity, morals, values and
humanity. In expressing yourself be sure that you don’t humiliate or offend any
person. With rights come responsibilities and it’s your duty to ensure that
whatever you do, you don’t victimize or undermine any other person’s right.
Written by Tshegofatso Mosala
