South Africa celebrates Freedom Month
Freedom Month (April) commemorates the historic occasion in 1994 when South Africa achieved freedom and democracy, where all its citizens became free from the discrimination and oppression, moving away from hatred, divisions and a painful history to build a common future together.
The celebrations coincide with the centenary of the late first black President of South Africa, Tata Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu, a heroine of the liberation Struggle. We also moan the recent fallen outstanding figure of the liberation movement, a freedom fighter who fought ferociously against apartheid regime and all kinds of injustice, Mama Winnie Madikizela – Mandela.
The theme for the 2018 Freedom Month celebrations is “The Year of Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela: “United for Radical Economic Transformation”. This month celebrations provides an opportunity for South Africans to work together and unit around a common agenda to build a united and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in the National Development Plan.
Freedom Month recognises and celebrates the strides that we have made since 1994. The majority of our people have increased access to a wide range of basic services. More opportunities have been created for the vast majority to participate in the economy. Although significant progress has been made challenges still remain.
The celebrations also presents an opportunity to reflect on the 22 years of the Constitution, to re-examine the challenges and consolidate the gains made thus far in transforming the South African society especially the disadvantaged.
Freedom Month provides us an opportunity to strengthen solidarity, tolerance and acceptance, national identity and promote social cohesion.
“Although we have one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, the country continues to witness racial hatred from those who are opposed to the social democratic project and the nation building agenda in particular. We need to build from this universal law of our country to outlaw racism and its related bigotries,” said Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
The National Freedom Day Celebrations will be held on April 27, 2018 at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Rocklands, Bloemfontein. Government would like to encourage all South African to participate in the celebrations including business, traditional leaders, organised labour, the religious fraternity and party political formations, among others.
Freedom Month Activities
- Social Cohesion Dialogue: 04 April 2018 at War Museum in Bloemfontein at 12h00.
- Panel discussion on freedom and radical socio-economic transformation: 12 April 2018 at University of Limpopo at 18h00.
- Panel discussion on the biographies of Mandela, Mme Sisulu and Biko: through the analytical lenses of non-racialism and black consciousness: 19 April 2018 at Nelson Mandela Museum, Mthatha at 18h00.
- Freedom and the realisation of socio-economic rights: 26 April 2018 at University of the Free State (Institute for Reconciliation & Social Justice) at 18h00.
Equiries:
Zimasa Velaphi
Cell: 0721728925
Dr Abraham Serote
Cell: 0716809559
