"All shall enjoy equal human rights!"

The initiative by the founders of the Congress of the People is to be welcomed. The disregard for the rule of law, criticism of the media and the judiciary, the intolerance of dissenting views and the tendency to deal with those who differ within the ANC have necessitated such an initiative.

The ANC is a reputable movement whose record speaks for itself. It is heartbreaking to see it crumbling before our eyes and this is a sad moment in Africa’s history.

Parties are a microcosm of society and therefore the ANC must represent the collective and democratic will of the people. But it is becoming more selfish and represents its own views and interests more than those of the people.

The late eighties and early nineties were characterized by political intolerance fuelled by a third force bent on undermining the efforts of freedom loving South Africans to achieve their objective of liberation. But as with many revolutions the desire to build a society based on freedom to assemble and belong to a political party of one's choosing triumphed.

The intolerance of differing views must be condemned. Instead people must be allowed to differ. We must disagree and still be friends. But some people think they have a monopoly on ideas and views expressed in society. And they are ready to crush anyone who differs. They have the right to air their views in the media but when others do the same they are branded counter-revolutionaries, snakes and dogs.

That is not what we fought for. The values of our society are enshrined in the Freedom Charter, the Constitution and ubuntu. It is a courageous step to voice the truth in a storm of fierce opposition. The more diversified the contending voices in a society the better it is for its democratic wellbeing.

Many fear to differ on issues of principle because they fear those who hold arbitrary power to suspend or expel so-called dissidents.

I want a society where I can express my views free from intimidation or violence or inflammatory propaganda. The heroic sacrifices of our leaders cannot go to the dustbins of history trashed by people bent on ascending to power by all means, even if it means disregarding the rule of law.

Are we going to allow the abuse of power and position to go unabated or do we protect the values of humanity? It gives me hope to see that some people stand up against leaders who want to rule by force under the guise of democracy.