19 April 2006
Thousands of Gauteng residents are expected to gather at the Union Buildings
for the celebration of the 12th anniversary of freedom.
Freedom Day is a national public holiday recognised by government as a day
to celebrate the democratic achievements of government since 1994.
âOn this day, 27 April, we remember the victory of the Rainbow Nation over
apartheid tyranny and oppression,â the Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC
Barbara Creecy said.
The MEC said the province in partnership with the City of Tshwane
Metropolitan Municipality will be celebrating the festivities in line with the
theme âA national effort for faster growth and developmentâ.
This yearâs Freedom Day celebrations coincide with major anniversaries in
the history of the struggle for democracy. These include the:
* 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution;
* 30th anniversary of the Soweto Uprisings; and
* 50th anniversary of the Womenâs March to the Union Buildings.
Preparations for this 12th anniversary since the historic 1994 elections are
now at an advanced stage.
Gauteng Government MECs, Executive Mayor of Tshwane Metropolitan
Municipality Councillor Gwen Ramokgopa, Councillors and other dignitaries are
expected to attend the event with the Housing MEC Nomvula Mokonyane giving a
keynote address.
Popular local artists including Selaelo Selota, Bongo Maffin, Lebo Mathosa,
Karen Zoid and DJ Cleo will entertain the crowds as part of the day long
celebrations line-up. The programme will start at 08:00 with a 5 km fun run to
start and finish at the Union Buildings.
Other sporting and cultural activities will start at 09:00 and end on a high
note with performances from local musicians. The entertainment will end at
16:30.
There will also be a craft fair of high quality, locally produced goods and
recreational games for the young and old.
In an effort to reach out to young people in Gauteng, MEC Barbara Creecy and
Executive Mayor Clr Gwen Ramokgopa will be visiting various schools in and
around Tshwane to engage the youth on the significance of Freedom Day in their
lives. The first visit is scheduled to take place on Monday, 24 April 2006,
where MEC Barbara Creecy will be visiting Pretoria Girls High.
Various government departments will also exhibit information about
government services and directly interact with communities.
Enquiries:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Tel: (011) 355 2578
Cell: 083 507 8068
Issued by: Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Gauteng
Provincial Government
19 April 2006
