Freedom Month 2015

1 - 30 April

- Celebrating[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"405336","attributes":{"class":"media-image","id":"1","style":"float: left;;;;;;;;;","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]] the Beginning of the Third Decade of our Freedom through Accelerating Radical Economic Transformation -

South Africa celebrates Freedom Month during April under the theme: “Celebrating the Beginning of the Third Decade of our Freedom through Accelerating Radical Economic Transformation”. 

April will forever resonate in the history of our nation as the month that saw the first democratic elections in 1994 that gave birth to freedom and constitutional democracy in South Africa. This election marked turning point that saw the previously disadvantaged become part of the South African political processes. The country belongs to all who live in it.

The 1994 breakthrough promotes the values of freedom and democracy that are an integral part of our Constitutional democracy. Freedom Day is celebrated on 27 April in celebration of the historic participation of all the people of South African citizens in the first free and fair democratic elections.

Over the last two decades we have worked hard to construct a society that serves all its people. In fact, South Africa has come a long way in addressing the economic, social and cultural challenges created under apartheid.

The year 2015 ushers the beginning of the third decade of democracy and freedom. On 27 April this year South Africans are called to take the opportunity to celebrate the fruits of our democracy. It is time to reflect on the progress we have made as country in moving South Africa forward. 

This year’s Freedom Day/Month falls on the 60th anniversary of the historic adoption of the Freedom Charter in Kliptown, Soweto. The values as espoused in the Freedom Charter still hold true and they are an overall vision for a non-racial and democratic society and many of its values are embedded in the Constitution.

Messages for Freedom Month

South Africa is a better place to live in.

  • We have made significant progress in building a democratic nation founded on the values of human dignity, non-racialism and non-sexism.
  • The rule of law and universal adult suffrage is enshrined in the Constitution.
  • Great progress made in lifting disadvantaged out of poverty with  access to water, healthcare, education, housing and many other basic needs which they did not have before 1994.
  • Our economy has become more inclusive and continues to show steady growth.
  • We should all be proud of the progress we have made in the past 21 years.

The values and ideals of Freedom are integrated into the Constitution

  • The spirit of the Freedom Charter lives in the ideals and principles of the Constitution.
  • These values and principles promote the advancement of economic justice and social equality
  • The principles, values and ideals of the Constitution must influence our behavior, conduct and attitude.
  • The Bill of Rights reaffirms that everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.
  • We must continue to strengthen the freedoms and protections we enjoy under our Constitution.

Ties that bind us are stronger than barriers that divides us

  • Let us work together to forge a common national identity that is built on mutual respect, tolerance and acceptance.
  • We must promote our similarities rather than differences
  • We must do more to break down the artificial barriers of culture, race and religion that still divide us.
  • We must be agents of transformation that work for a society free from racial, social and economic class barriers.

Consolidate the gains of 21 Years of Democracy and Freedom 

  • The right to vote, which was denied for so long under apartheid, has come to symbolize our freedom and the new society we are building.
  • We should never forget the sacrifices of countless patriots who fought tirelessly to secure our freedom and democracy.
  • Our Freedom was not free; it was hard fought and must be cherished and protected.
  • We must jealously guard the gains of democracy and continue to build on the fruits of our freedom.

Together we must ensure radical economic transformation

  • Together we must continue to confront economic injustice, inequality, poverty and unemployment.
  • Government will not rest until all South Africans enjoy a decent and better quality of life
  • All South Africans must benefit from our rich natural, economic, cultural and social resources.

Celebrate the heroes and heroines of our democracy

  • The National Orders are conferred in recognition of the outstanding achievements of ordinary South Africans and foreign nationals.
  • The freedom that we celebrate today, was not free, it came at huge personal cost to countless South Africans.
  • National Orders honour those who made sacrifices beyond measure and dedicated their lives so that we can enjoy our freedom today.
  • There are six categories of National Orders, each recognising unique achievements by South Africans or foreign nationals.
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