President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the annual Freedom Day celebrations in Emerlo, Mpumalanga today.
This is a culmination of the year-long celebrations of South Africa’s 30 years of democracy.
The day is celebrated under the theme – United in Resilience for The Defence of Our Freedom and Democracy.
Freedom Day is a day South Africa celebrates its first post-apartheid election.
This year, the country will observe the day under a different dispensation – namely, a Government of National Unity (GNU).
VIDEO | President Ramaphosa will address Freedom Day celebrations:
Government will use the opportunity to outline the progress made since the dawn of democracy in building a united and inclusive nation, whilst also reflecting on what it says is collective resilience in safeguarding democratic gains, while critically addressing ongoing challenges.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described the 27th of April 1994 as a democratic breakthrough.
“The 27th of April 1994 was a victory for non-racialism, for non-sexism, for human dignity and progress. Not just in South Africa, but everywhere. It was a victory for reconciliation. The democratic breakthrough was as much about liberating black South Africans from apartheid as it was about freeing white South Africans from their prejudice and fear.”
Economic challenges
Thirty years on, the country still grapples with an array of economic challenges, including a high unemployment rate, extreme inequality, crime and the non-delivery of services, amongst others.
While government acknowledges the problems the country faces, Ramaphosa says South Africa has come a long way in addressing them.
“Our task over the last 30 years has been to bridge the huge divides of wealth and opportunity in our country – between black and white, between men and women, between urban and rural dwellers. We have done so not only to correct the injustices of the past, but also so that we may realise the full potential of an economy in which every person has a stake and in which every person has the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.”
Role of the IEC and GNU
The Electoral Commission, which is charged with ensuring free and fair elections, also weighs in on the significance of Freedom Day.
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo says, “As we approach Freedom Day and on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections on 27 April (1994), the Electoral Commission joins the nation in celebrating this moment of democratic breakthrough. The day does not only mark a break with our past, but it also memorialised the beginning of our nation’s journey towards a democratic society for its part in strengthening constitutional democracy. The Electoral Commission will endeavour to ensure the delivery of credible, free and fair elections.”
Moving forward, the GNU has resolved to dedicate the next five years to actions that will advance three strategic priorities, which include driving inclusive growth and job creation to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.
