Freedom Charter of South Africa

( 1955 ) Commentary by Christopher Saunders, University of Cape Town, South Africa

“South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and … no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people.” - Paragraph 2
“Our people have been robbed of their birthright to land, liberty and peace by a form of government founded on injustice and inequality.” - Paragraph 3
“Our country will never be prosperous or free until all our people live in brotherhood, enjoying equal rights and opportunities.” - Paragraph 4
“Only a democratic state, based on the will of all the people, can secure to all their birthright without distinction of colour, race, sex or belief.” - Paragraph 5
“We pledge ourselves to strive together, sparing neither strength nor courage, until the democratic changes here set out have been won.” - Paragraph 7
“These freedoms we will fight for, side by side, throughout our lives, until we have won our liberty.” - Paragraph 74

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