The Union Buildings in Tshwane Gauteng came alive on Freedom Day as Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane; MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Nelisiwe Moerane and the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma joined other dignitaries and ordinary South Africans to celebrate the democratic achievements of government since 1994.
Thousands of citizens yesterday, Tuesday, 27 April braved the chilly weather to attend the Freedom Day celebrations at the Union Buildings commemorating 16 years since the first democratic elections. "As South Africa continues in its strides to ensure a better life and place for all, we are again coming together to celebrate two of our most precious milestones which is our freedom and democracy. The two are the cornerstones of our struggle against apartheid that will forever bring us together and make us proud citizens," says MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Ms Nelisiwe Moerane.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane opened the celebrations calling on South Africans to make 2010 a year to remember as the country hosted the FIFA World Cup.
"Let's make sure we raise the flag, that we sing the national anthem. Let's spread the message that today is better than yesterday, tomorrow will be better than today," Mokonyane said.
"Whilst more still has to be done to uplift the living conditions of many South Africans, we can boldly proclaim that South Africa is firmly on course to a better life for all," she declared.
Delivering the day's keynote address, President Jacob Zuma said the upcoming soccer World Cup will give South Africans an opportunity to display their rich culture and show that it is truly an African World Cup.
"Let us make the 2010 World Cup a memorable event," he said.
Zuma further urged South Africans to use Freedom Day as a reminder that everyone needed to work hard to defend the gains for which many have fought and lost their lives.
"We must work together to build our country and shape its future, we must all work for unity true reconciliation and cohesion," he said.
President Jacob Zuma said the government will continue to work hard to improve the lives of the people of South Africa by reaching out across the class, racial, ethnic religious and political divides.
"As we work to increase the pace and quality of delivery, we must also together acknowledge the progress we have made thus far as a nation, working together as a government and the people," he said.
Also in attendance were Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana, Deputy Minister Paul Mashatile and Tshwane Mayor Gwen Ramokgopa. The crowds were entertained by a number of local and prominent artists.
Source: Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.srac.gpg.gov.za/)
