27 April
The advent of democracy in 1994 and progress made to build a united and inclusive nation over the last 31 years stand as the greatest achievement of the South African people as it provides the foundation for ongoing efforts to build a democratic society. Such democratic gains require both constant affirmation of progress made as well as critical, objective assessments which juxtaposes the impact and significance of the journey travelled against the pressing needs in society. There is therefore that while it would be important to highlight the gains made, some critical self-assessment is also required in addressing some of the glaring pitfalls since the dawn of freedom and democracy and associated remedial action – whether legislative, policy or programmatic. Overall, government looks to the national days programme; and in this case, Freedom Month (Freedom Day) as a platform for fine display of cohesion, national unity, and a sense that our constitutional democratic project is still standing on steady ground.
In line with the political, economic and social environment that South Africa finds itself in, the proposed theme is 'United in Resilience for The Defence of Our Freedom and Democracy.'
South Africa's successful struggle for freedom and democracy is one of the most dramatic stories in the global historical timeline. Of note has been the quickened pace of the negotiated settlement, thus allowing for a peaceful transfer of power – a scenario which would have been considered a non-starter just a decade before during the heydays of the apartheid’s total onslaught. The racial tyranny of apartheid ended with a negotiated transition into a non-racial democratic government, but not without considerable personal cost to thousands of women, men and young people who were involved in the liberation struggle. There are many that perished in the effort to attain freedom. And even at the hour of death, they were still defiant and departed with their dignity intact.
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