Opening and welcome remarks by Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha during Freedom Day celebrations at Giyani stadium
Program Director,
The President of the Republic, Your Excellency Jacob Zuma
Deputy President of the Republic, Honourable Cyril Ramaphosa
Ministers and Premiers from other provinces present here
Khosikhulo Tony Mphephu Ramabulana and other traditional leaders present.
Deputy Ministers and MECs
Members of Parliament and Legislatures,
Executive Mayors and Mayors from all over the country Members of the Diplomatic Corps and special envoys, Your Majesties and Royal Highnesses,
The Leadership of the ruling party and other political formations present
Veterans and stalwarts of our struggle for freedom
The Chief of the Defense Force and the Armed Forces, The leadership of the South African Police Services
The leadership leaders of various religious formations present Ladies and gentlemen.
Avuxeni!
Ndi matsheloni Goeie more! Dumelang Siyanamukela!
As the people of Limpopo, we count a rare honour and a privilege on our part to be afforded an opportunity to host the people of South Africa on such a special day.
From across the length and breadth of the country, we are gathered here in Giyani, not only to celebrate 22 years of freedom and democracy, but the milestone achievements this democratic government has made in changing the lives of our people for the better.
I would therefore like to take this opportunity, Mr. President to thank you and the entire Cabinet for choosing our province as the host of this important event on our political calendar.
We are indeed humbled.
We accept the gesture with open arms to home of the second President of the African National Congress, President Sefako Makgatho.
You are in the province that produced the freedom fighters who distinguished themselves in the struggle for liberation. Amongst them we count Flag Boshielo, Lawrence Phokanoka, Mark Shope, Peter Nchabeleng Alphues Malivha, Nelson Diale, Collins Chabane, Norman Mashabane, Peter Mokaba and many others.
You are celebrating this day in the province that gave birth to Kgishigadi Madinoge and Charlotte Maxeke - a rare breed of brave women who influenced and led the 1956 Women’s March that changed the course of liberation struggle in our country.
We proudly welcome you to the home of great warriors Kings who fought against oppression and colonialism like Sekhukhune, Makhado and Ngungunyane.
Program Director,
We must therefore as we celebrate this freedom, never forget all these and many other heroes and heroines of the struggle for freedom in our country.
The befitting tribute we can pay to them is not to dishonour the course of freedom.
We must take responsibility for this freedom.
As the former President of ANC, OR Tambo said, "We must break down the barriers of division and create a country where there will be neither Whites nor Blacks, just South Africans, free and united in diversity."
Programme director
Amongst us we still have the likes of Bra Ike Maphoto, Samson Ndou, Pharephare Mothupi and John Kgwana Nkadimeng.
They are a fountain of knowledge and wisdom, and we must therefore engage continuously to seek wise words of counsel and inspiration.
I have got no doubt that they will come in handy for our continued work of consolidating and deepening democracy in our country.
It is now my pleasure to welcome all of you to Limpopo
Lets us celebrate our freedom
Pula!
