The day marks 21 years since all races voted in its first free and fair elections that included the country’s black majority in 1994, ushering in a new democratic dispensation.
Celebrations are expected to take place countrywide, with the main Freedom Day event taking place at the Union Buildings, in the capital Pretoria.
The event- which is observed on the 27th of April every year – is expected to attract thousands of people. It usually showcases South Africa’s diversity, from music and dance as well as military display.
As part of the Freedom Day programme, an interfaith prayer will be held in Freedom Park, Pretoria before President Jacob Zuma addresses the nation at the Union Buildings under the theme, “Celebrating the Third Decade of our Freedom through Accelerating Radical Economic Transformation”.
Government said the day will reflect on the progress the country has made in moving South Africa forward.
Over the last two decades, government has worked hard to construct a society that serves all its people by trying to address the economic, social and cultural challenges created under apartheid.
Great progress has been made in lifting South Africans out of poverty with access to water, healthcare, education, housing and many other basic needs which they did not have before 1994.
The celebrations will also provide an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the road to democracy, deepen the understanding of how democracy was achieved and to appreciate and acknowledge the contribution made by unsung heroes and heroines in their respectful communities.
Further, it will mirror on the contribution of other African countries and the rest of the world in liberating South Africa.
This year’s Freedom Day celebrations also marks the 60th Anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter, the historic road-map to the country’s struggle for freedom and ultimately the achievement of democracy.–SAnews.gov.za
Celebrations are expected to take place countrywide, with the main Freedom Day event taking place at the Union Buildings, in the capital Pretoria.
The event- which is observed on the 27th of April every year – is expected to attract thousands of people. It usually showcases South Africa’s diversity, from music and dance as well as military display.
As part of the Freedom Day programme, an interfaith prayer will be held in Freedom Park, Pretoria before President Jacob Zuma addresses the nation at the Union Buildings under the theme, “Celebrating the Third Decade of our Freedom through Accelerating Radical Economic Transformation”.
Government said the day will reflect on the progress the country has made in moving South Africa forward.
Over the last two decades, government has worked hard to construct a society that serves all its people by trying to address the economic, social and cultural challenges created under apartheid.
Great progress has been made in lifting South Africans out of poverty with access to water, healthcare, education, housing and many other basic needs which they did not have before 1994.
The celebrations will also provide an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the road to democracy, deepen the understanding of how democracy was achieved and to appreciate and acknowledge the contribution made by unsung heroes and heroines in their respectful communities.
Further, it will mirror on the contribution of other African countries and the rest of the world in liberating South Africa.
This year’s Freedom Day celebrations also marks the 60th Anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter, the historic road-map to the country’s struggle for freedom and ultimately the achievement of democracy.–SAnews.gov.za
