This year marks the 30th commemoration of South Africa’s democratic dispensation and we celebrate this Freedom Month under the theme “30 Years of Democracy, partnership and growth”. The 27th of April holds even greater significance this year as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our nation’s first democratic election. Furthermore, this Freedom Day also marks the 28th anniversary of the enactment of the South African constitution as the supreme law of our country.
Today, South Africa celebrates Freedom Day to mark the liberation of our country and its people from a long period of colonialism and White minority domination (apartheid). Apartheid 'officially' began in South Africa in 1948, but colonialism and oppression of the African majority had plagued South Africa since 1652. After decades of resistance, a stalemate between the Liberation Movement and the Apartheid government was reached in 1988.
This Freedom Day we celebrate the achievements we have made over the past three decades of our democratic journey. We also remember the sacrifices of unsung heroes and heroines who fought for our freedom and a nation that is truly democratic, equal, representative, fair and free from all forms of discrimination.
Our Freedom Day commemoration will be held at the Union Buildings, South Lawns in Tshwane, and will include all spheres of government and various stakeholders who form part of our democratic journey.
The purpose of this year’s Freedom Day and Freedom Month celebrations are to enhance an understanding of our nation’s history and development and reflect on how we can advance our progress and address our most pressing challenges.
The commemoration comes at a time when our nation prepares for our next National and Provincial elections, which is set to take place next month.
Freedom Day therefore serves as a reminder to us that the guarantee of our freedom requires us to remain permanently vigilant against corruption and the erosion of the values of the Freedom Struggle and to build an active citizenry that will work towards wiping out the legacy of racism, inequality and the promotion of the rights embodied in our constitution.
