MORAL REGENERATION MOVEMENT
DRAFT CHARTER OF POSITIVE VALUES
We have crossed the historic bridge from inequality and conflict to a society grounded in common citizenship and in pursuit of equality. We reflect on the diverse journeys and cultures that have brought us to liberation and democracy, and commit ourselves to those ideals and ethical values that unite us in our diversity.
Within this common commitment, born in struggle, dedicated to the healing of past wounds, affirming the dignity of all, and in pursuit of the social and material security of our people, we pledge ourselves to defend and uphold the values contained herein. We do so recognising that our future is dependent on the protection of the environment and the welfare of all who live within our borders, inhabit the African continent and constitute the broader family of nations.
Committed to the spirit of Ubuntu, which underlies our democracy and embedded in our constitution, we dedicate ourselves as a nation to:
Respect Human Dignity and Equality
Our constitution affirms that human beings are born free and with equal dignity.
We commit ourselves to:
1. Respect the worth of all individuals, irrespective of social origin, race, gender, age, status and class.
2. Fight against the physical and emotional harassment of women that results in rape and other forms of abuse.
3. Eradicate the abuse of children brought about by malnutrition, child labour, drug trafficking, pornography and prostitution.
4. Care for all who are weak and disadvantaged: the poor, the aged, the disabled, and all those unable to care for themselves.
5. Oppose any form of physical, emotional, and/or psychological abuse or ill-treatment of another human being.
6. Overcome the abuse of status, custom, culture, race, gender, sexual orientation, health-status, or tradition that leads to discrimination against another.
7. Work for the physical security and protection of all people.
Promote Freedom, the Rule of Law and Democracy
Individual freedom within the rule of law is the basis of justice, fairness, nation-building and good governance.
We commit ourselves to:
1. Allow freedom of expression, association, movement, residence, belief, opinion and religion.
2. A sense of social responsibility by respecting the rule of law, honesty, hard work and minimal standards of ethical decency.
3. Fight against all forms of crime, corruption and violence.
4. Strive for national unity and the indivisibility of the Republic.
Improve Material Well-being and Economic Justice
The socio-economic rights that are part of our constitution must be seen as more than inspirational rights. Policy and programmes need to provide the poor with opportunities to achieve human dignity and material well-being.
We commit ourselves to:
1. Overcome the entrenched inequalities of the past and present, and to
promote opportunities for everyone to share the resources of our country.
2. Oppose greed, selfishness and undue self-enrichment at all times.
3. Overcome corruption, whether driven by personal gain, dishonesty,
favouritism, nepotism or other motivations.
4. Foster transparency in government and business through timely,
accessible and accurate information on all matters affecting public life.
5. Ensure competent and fair management and employment practices result in broad-based racial and gender representation.
Enhance Family and Community Values
Family and community are core socialising units that inspire and create the moral and ethical values in society.
We commit ourselves to:
1. Promote family values, fidelity, responsibility, respect for parents and elders, nurturing of children, support for the elderly, and the development and maintenance of the household.
2. Fight against domestic violence and the neglect of family responsibilities, whether due to do substance abuse, cultural belief or gender discrimination.
3. Cultivate a family and communal environment that promotes a culture of care, generosity and inclusivity.
4. Use resources efficiently and equitably to the benefit of all family and community members.
5. Benefit others as well as ourselves through personal growth and acquisition of skills.
Uphold Loyalty, Honesty and Integrity
Loyalty, honesty and integrity are the essential values of democracy and good governance.
We commit ourselves to:
1. Interact sincerely, openly
and honestly.2. Promote and encourage
3. Use the judicial system to punish all forms of theft, extortion, bribery, dishonesty and exploitation.
Ensure Harmony in Culture, Belief and Conscience
South Africa’s racial and ethnic diversity has the capacity to inspire and enrich a culture and value system that can sustain the values embodied in this Charter.
We commit ourselves to:
1. Promote freedom of conscience, religious tolerance and the acceptance of different ideological persuasions without prejudice or favour.
2. Promote independent critical thinking and a culture of participatory debate.
3. Promote respect for the beliefs and value systems of others.
4. Promote the right of every citizen to give expression to his or her views without fear of censure, intimidation or harassment.
5. Oppose all forms of prejudice, whether individual, corporate or through membership or association with an organisation that undermines the integrity of others.
6. Promote equal opportunities for all persons including disabled people and those suffering from HIV / Aids and other forms of disease.
Show Respect and Concern for all People
Respect, care and concern are among the overarching values characteristic of South African people. We recognise that there can be no peace or security without respect and care.
We commit ourselves to:
1. Refrain from using
2. Promote peace, friendship, tolerance and national unity among cultural, religious and linguistic communities.
3. Show respect to all individuals and social groups.
Strive For Justice, Fairness and Peaceful Co-Existence
Peaceful co-existence requires justice, fairness and mutual respect as a basis for national reconciliation. The healing of past prejudices and divisions is required to ensure the promotion of democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights for all.
We commit ourselves to:
1. Counter aggressive and rude behaviour with respect and understanding.
2. Oppose individuals and groups that seek to disturb the peace, stability and security of the nation through prejudiced and/or undemocratic behaviour.
3. Provide social and other services in an impartial, fair, equitable and unbiased way to all people.
Remembering the hostilities and prejudices that characterise our past, we recognise the fragility of social relations in our new democracy. This requires the affirmation of such minimal moral values to which all peaceful South Africans can aspire as a basis for reaching out to one another in the spirit that gave our nation birth – knowing that South Africa belongs to all who dwell within it.
Please refer all comments to the Maurice Webb Race Relations Unit at Maurice Webb Race Relations Unit, Hut No. 10, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4000 or e-mail: [email protected].