“One does not realize the value of freedom until it is gone. Therefore, one must not wait until freedom is gone before enjoying, appreciating, supporting, protecting, and making the best of it.”

The Roman statesman Marcus Cicero reminds us that freedom is not a privilege, but a precious asset that must be cherished.

Freedom forms one of the most important cornerstones of South Africa’s constitutional democracy. The Constitution guarantees a series of fundamental freedoms that enable every citizen to reach their full potential. This includes, among others, freedom of belief and conviction, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration.

Many South Africans regard these rights as a given, but international research shows that freedom does not enjoy the same protection everywhere in the world. The annual Human Freedom Index, published recently, evaluates 165 countries based on 87 indicators of personal and economic freedom.

This includes key areas such as the rule of law, security and safety, movement, and religious freedom.

According to the latest rankings, Switzerland once again occupies first place, followed by Denmark, New Zealand, Ireland, and Luxembourg. The USA is in fifteenth position, while the United Kingdom ranks nineteenth. Countries with the lowest levels of freedom include China, Russia, Iran, and Yemen. Syria is last on the list.

China challenges traditional Western assumptions about the link between freedom, democracy, and economic growth. Analysts argue that China’s next phase of growth will be more difficult without extensive innovation, independent institutions, and more room for individual initiative.

In countries at the bottom of the rankings, citizens’ daily lives are often characterized by strict political, social, and economic limitations. Citizens have less control over their personal choices, fewer business opportunities, and limited room to speak out freely. The consequences of this extend far beyond politics and affect the general quality of life of millions of people.

South Africa occupies the 71st place on the world ranking. Although this means that we still enjoy significant constitutional freedoms, this position must serve as a warning that freedom must be protected and expanded. No assumption that freedom is permanently guaranteed can be accepted.

The Human Freedom Index, published for the eleventh time, shows that freedom is not just an abstract ideal. There is a strong correlation between high levels of freedom and economic prosperity. Freedom therefore creates an environment in which entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth can flourish.

South Africa thus faces an important choice. We can continue on a path of inefficient state control and governance, more regulation, and greater policy uncertainty, or we can purposefully expand the room for economic freedom, entrepreneurship, and investment. The world’s most successful economies show that growth, job creation, and prosperity flourish when individual freedoms are respected and protected.

Cicero reminds us that people often realize the value of freedom only when it is lost. As South Africa, we cannot afford to make that mistake. We must cherish our freedoms and be vigilant against any threat that could undermine it.

Van der Rheede is the executive head of the FW de Klerk Foundation.