The Department of Arts and Culture, the Gauteng Provincial Government and the City of Tshwane will host the Freedom Day national celebrations at Union Buildings, Pretoria.
On 27 April 1994, millions of South Africans for the first time exercised their hard won right to vote. Since that eventful and joyful day in our national life, South Africans have had four free and fair national elections.
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma will deliver a keynote address at this event. In addition to the national event, other provinces will host their own celebrations. This year the celebrations will take place under the theme: "Together deepening our democracy and celebrating our freedom".
The celebrations coincide with the 20th anniversary of the release of one of the world's most respected freedom fighters and the first President of a democratic South Africa, Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Of special note is that the celebrations happen on the eve of the biggest sporting event, the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, which will for the first time take place on African soil.
In the spirit of patriotism and promoting social cohesion, we call all upon all South Africans, political parties, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private sector, civil society, religious groups, old and young, to be part of Freedom Day celebrations this year.
The government reaffirms its commitment to consolidate democracy, promote tolerance and social cohesion in South Africa.
For accreditation please send your names and identity (ID) numbers to:
Patience Mogomotsi
Tel: 012 441 3083
E-mail: patience.mogomotsi@dac.gov.za
Mthuthuzeli Nqumba
Tel: 012 441 044
E-mail: mthuthuzeli.nqumba@dac.gov.za
Pre-accreditation will take place on Monday, 26 April 2010 from 09h00 to 16h00 at the Union Buildings lawns, Pretoria.
Members of the media are requested to produce their media cards or letters from their employers when they collect the accreditation cards.
Draft programme:
08h55: Pre-cultural programme
09h00: National Flag unfurled
10h00: Cultural parade arrives at the Union Buildings
10h20: Guard of honour and military band deployed
Performance by the military band
10h25: Pre-announcements for the parade
10h29: The programme director announces the arrival of the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr J Zuma
10h30: National salute (guard of honour, presents arms, playing of the national anthem, 21 round gun salute and salute flight)
Fly past (weather permitting)
Performance by the military band
National salute (national anthem and presents arms)
10h50: The podium group is led to the stage by the Aides-de-Camp
Guard of honour and military band withdraw
10h55: Moment of silence observed
10h56: Welcome remarks by the Premier of the Gauteng Province, Ms N Mokonyane
11h00: Messages of support from national leaders of political parties in Parliament
11h40: Messages from South African youth born in 1994
11h50: Cultural performance
12h00: Remarks by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms L Xingwana
12h10: Speech by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr J Zuma
12h25: Cultural performance
12h35: Vote of thanks by the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Dr G Ramokgopa
12h40: Cultural performance
12h55: End of the formal programme
13h00: Afternoon cultural programme
16h00: Programme ends
Enquiries:
Lisa Combrinck
Cell: 082 8214 886
Mack Lewele
Cell: 082 450 5076
Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
20 April 2010
