Speech by Mr Daryl Swanepoel at the gala dinner hosted by the Africa Chinese Women's Association on 15 March 2025

Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

Firstly allow me to thank the organisers of the event for the invitation to be here this evening. I am joined by the Deputy Chairperson of the Inclusive Society Institute, former Cabinet Minister Buyelwa Sonjica.

The Inclusive Society Institute is committed to the pursuit of a just and equal South Africa that works for all who live in it. A nation built on non-racialism and non-sexism, and in which people from all cultural, religious and social groupings live freely, and build towards the common goal of a united country that rises above the troubles of its past,  and looks towards a brighter, better and more inclusive future.

This evening’s event is a perfect fit with our objective. The invitation says that tonight we appreciate and celebrate the diversity of our community. And we will witness tonight how working together, playing together and socialising together, strengthens our character and make us better and happier people.

As an Institute we recently released our South Africa Social Cohesion Index. At an event in Cape Town the Deputy President of the Republic, HE Paul Mashatile, launched the report. Jenny Wu, your chairwoman was also there. We are proud to have her on our Advisory Council.

The essence of the report pointed to a country that still needs to do a lot to properly reconcile and build our nation.

The index reflects an overall moderately high level of social cohesion. But the overall score of 53.3 index points does not tell the full story. There are areas of serious concern.

• Acceptance of diversity in the country has steadily declined from an already low 47.1 index points in 2021 to only 46.8 in 2024;

• Trust in institutions has declined from 50.1 index points to 47.9;

• Perceptions of fairness has declined from 42.4 index points to a mere 42.7; and

• Respect for social rules has declined from 40.3 to an alarming 36.6

What distorts the perception that South Africa is doing ok in terms of social cohesion is that across all demographics identification with the country is very high. In 2021 it was 73.2 index points and in 2024, 72.2. Were this not so, it would be just above/just below the 50 index points level. It is indeed the strong identification with the country that is holding the nation together.

Unfortunately identification alone is not enough. When one domino falls, all dominoes fall. We must work on every dimension that is required for social cohesion.

But let’s recognise the fact that South Africans from all areas of life and all communities are proud to be South African, and love our country. And let’s use that as the foundation to strengthen the weaker areas that need attention. It must and can be done.

That makes an evening such as tonight so important. When we socialise together from all walks of life, we realise we are all human, we all have red blood, we all have moments of happiness and moments of sadness. In essence we all just want a decent life for our families and for those we love.

Thank you Africa Chinese Women’s Association for this evening. And for the initiative to celebrate our diversity, and to bring communities together just to celebrate and appreciate being South African and being human. You will be surprised how initiatives such as this build and strengthen the nation. Keep it up.

As the Inclusive Society Institute we certainly learn from this. We will be launching our Good Relations Programme this year, which also aims to do just that.

To the Chinese community of South Africa, thank you for your constructive involvement in the lifeblood of our nation, for the businesses you have set up, for the jobs you have created, for the community work that you do. Know that it is seen, and know that it is appreciated.

Thank programme director.