S. Africa remains divided on racial lines: Zuma

CAPE TOWN, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Although South Africa has prioritized reconciliation, social cohesion and nation building since 1994, the country remains divided on various cultural, racial and class lines, President Jacob Zuma said on Friday.

"It therefore becomes important for all of us to work together even more by maximizing what we have in common for the good of all who live in our country," Zuma said in a message to the nation, marking the National Reconciliation Day which falls on December 16.

Zuma took the opportunity to urge South Africans to work together as a nation to promote reconciliation, peace and social cohesion.

"We believe that each one of us has a role to play in healing the wounds of the past, reconciling our communities and working to build a new nation," Zuma said.

The theme for this year's National Reconciliation Day is "The Year of OR Tambo (anti-apartheid hero): Reconciliation through Radical Socio-Economic Transformation."

South Africa has also celebrated the entire month of December as Reconciliation Month since the dawn of freedom in 1994 after the country's first democratic elections.

On the National Reconciliation Day, South Africans should multiply their efforts to foster reconciliation and unity amongst themselves and to embrace the common ties that bind them together rather than focus on what divides them as a nation.

"We encourage all our people on this day to work together to bridge the divide created by our ugly past and to move towards a united society," Zuma said.

He urged South Africans to reach out to their fellow countrymen during this Reconciliation Month.

"Take time to learn about fellow South Africans. We would like to encourage South Africans to speak to an acquaintance or colleague about their life experience as we believe that by talking, sharing and learning, we will break down barriers," said Zuma.

By focusing on their shared experiences South Africans can build a nation that encourages dialogue, fosters social cohesion and celebrates its heritage, according to Zuma.

"We must ensure that our daily experiences progressively cut across the divisions of race, gender, disability and class," said the president.

Zuma also stressed the importance of changing the ownership, control and management of the economy so that it benefits all.

"We must continue to work together to build a more inclusive economy that truly reflects the demographics of the country," Zuma said.

The National Reconciliation Day coincides with the opening of the elective conference of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), at which a successor to Zuma will be elected. Enditem