All systems go for national Freedom Day in Bloemfontein on Monday

President Cyril Ramaphosa

It’s all systems go for Monday’s national Freedom Day commemorations at the Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein where President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address.

The theme is “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship.”

Government Deputy Spokesperson William Baloyi says the day will be marked by exhibitions from various government departments. He stresses that this year’s celebrations are particularly significant as South Africa marks 30 years of its Constitution. He adds that Bloemfontein was chosen as the host city because it is the country’s judicial capital and home to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

“We are celebrating 30 years of the Constitution. Hence, we have chosen Bloemfontein, Free State as the venue. Why because Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of our country. Bloemfontein is the seat of the Supreme Court of Appeal. So, as we celebrate this important day of the Constitution, Bloemfontein is the correct one. But however, there is also an anger. We are celebrating 32 years of our democracy which we have attained through blood and sweat.”

Freedom Day preparedness in the Free State: William Baloyi

WATCH | Everything is set for the national Freedom Day commemoration at Dr Rantlai Molemela Station in Bloemfontein. Makgala Masiteng reports. pic.twitter.com/ikorMouiYf

— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 26, 2026

Powerful symbol

The 27th of April remains a powerful symbol of the country’s journey toward equality, dignity and democratic freedom. A day when black people had for the first time ever exercised their democratic right to vote for a government of their choice.

More than three decades since the historic 1994 general elections that elevated the once banned African National Congress to the Union Building, chairperson of the Mangaung Concerned Community, Themba Zweni, says freedom goes hand in glove with responsibilities.

“To me, freedom means being free to do what I am supposed to do, what I feel like doing. But it also means that the particular responsibilities that I have as a citizen of this country, I have to ensure that at the end of the day, as I exercise whatever rights that I’m exercising, I also have a responsibility towards ensuring that I build this nation.”

Road closures

Roads leading to the Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium will be temporarily closed to the public during the celebrations.

Access to the stadium precinct will be through Kgomo and Thakalekoala streets, Moshoeshoe and Thakalekoala streets, Moshoeshoe and Tsekeletsa streets, Tsekeletsa and Mokoloko streets, and Kgomo and Khampepe streets.

Members of the public are warned that no weapons and firearms allowed excepts for authorised personnel. Children under the age 10 must be accompanied by an adult. No alcohol, glass containers, and breakable bottles will be allowed to enter the stadium.

Political regalia, paraphernalia or material intended to provoke or promote alternative narratives will not be allowed.