Remember, rights come with responsibilities?

Freedom Day is here, and South Africans will commemorate the day on 27 April.

In the past 21 years, South Africans can proudly attest that they have enjoyed some rights.

But, some past incidences have made people question if the country is on the right path of democracy – which many died fighting for.

The rise of lawlessness including the disregard of traffic rules on the road, corruption, police imposters, the high rate of crime and the disregard of other peoples’ rights leave one wondering about how far we’ve actually come.

Recent Parliamentary disruptions, mismanagement and exorbitant monies used by politicians for personal use, indicate the deteriorating state of affairs in the country.

The ongoing load shedding also does not give citizens hope that Government is handling the situation.

Different government entities have been challenged by the public to fulfil their mandate of delivering proper services.

Few incidents that made people question South Africa’s stance on law, crime and human rights issues:

• On 8 November a man was allegedly attacked with an axe on Malibongwe Drive, during a road rage altercation.
• Oasis South Africa staged a protest on 14 March at the Randburg Taxi Rank to raise awareness on human trafficking.
• It was reported that 21 police officers in Gauteng have been arrested since November 2013, for aiding criminals who impersonate police officers.
• In February, four Randburg Police officers were investigated after they had allegedly assaulted and robbed a woman while she endured a series of epileptic seizures.
• A letter containing racists statements was circulated in Sophiatown – alleging that the Sophiatown Community Policing and a pastor residing in the area wanted all families and residents who are non-white, to immediately move out of Sophiatown or face the wrath of the SCP and the residents.

The SCP and the pastor denied circulating this letter.

The question is, do South Africans understand that all the rights in the Constitution, come with responsibilities?