Arts and Culture Minister, Paul Mashatile today unveiled a countdown clock, as part of the campaign to celebrate South Africa’s 20 years of freedom and democracy.
Speaking at the launch that was held at Maponya Mall, Mashatile said: “I call on all South Africans, to come together and participate in activities that promote a common South African consciousness. This is not a government campaign but a coming together of South Africans from different walks of life, united in our effort to deepen national pride and celebrate all that is good about our country.”
This exciting phase in the build up to next year’s celebrations will include countdown clocks at a range of public spaces, such as malls and airports across the country. At the heart of each location, is Freedom TV, which features the countdown clock as well as content, which will include public comments and archive material capturing the milestones achieved over the last twenty years. In addition to Freedom TV, there will be an interactive zone manned by ambassadors who will assist the public with channelling their thoughts, memories and reflections of what the past twenty years have meant to them. More detail will be communicated once the identified activation sites go live.
Representing civil society, Judge Yvonne Makgoro, Chairperson of the Social Cohesion Advocates who also spoke at the event said: “We have created a democracy which is revered the world over. It is important that we as South Africans come together and tell our story. South Africans as a family must be able to celebrate and remember our difficulties and challenges in a way that unites us. It is not enough to just have a democracy. It is important to use this democracy to build a united nation.”
In promoting the countdown campaign Minister Mashatile said that South Africans should use this opportunity to not just celebrate democracy but also assist each other in creating a better life. He said 4-million black South Africans have benefitted from the change in government in 1994 and asked them what they are doing to help build the country.
He said that South Africans should use the opportunity to not just celebrate democracy but also assist each other in creating a better life. He said 4-million black South Africans have benefitted from the change in government in 1994 and asked them what they are doing to help build the country.
The countdown campaign is just one activity aimed at mobilising South Africans behind the 20 years of freedom and democracy celebrations. Last month saw the launch of Freedom Friday, an iniative by Lead SA in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture, Government Communications and Information System (GCIS), Proudly SA and Brand South Africa.
“Freedom Friday, is a call on the nation to celebrate our ‘South Africanness’ by wearing whatever makes them proud to be South African. It could be a sports jersey, traditional dress or beaded suit,” said Lead SA’s Yusuf Abramjee.
“We thank our valued media partners, business leaders and stakeholders, for their participation in the launch of this unique milestone event and to assist us in encouraging all South Africans and the world to celebrate what this young democracy has achieved,” concluded Mashatile.
