KwaZulu-Natal Provincial government today launched the provincial celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of our freedom and democracy. The major symbol of our celebrations as the province of KwaZulu-Natal will be the 20 years of Freedom Flame. The Freedom Flame will criss-cross the 11 districts including eThekwini Metro, highlighting the light over darkness that has prevailed in this province in the past 20 years.
A series of activities led by MECs and Mayors in various districts have been lined up for when the flame arrives and indeed communities are urged to participate in these historic celebrations which will be utilised to take stock of the progress made to date as well as more work that will still need to be done to move our country forward.”
Speaking at the launch, Premier Mchunu said, "it is impossible to talk about Tata Madiba’s vote in the first ever democratic elections in his lifetime without referring to KwaZulu-Natal.”
“The unpleasant fact is that any mention of apartheid, the people of KwaZulu-Natal remembers the period of great cruelty, the torture and killing of political activists, the break-up of families and the suffering of orphans and widows.”
“In sharp contrast, any mention of Tata Nelson Mandela, the faces of the people of KwaZulu-Natal lightens up he represents the end of suffering and Hope for a better future.”
“Tata Mandela understood the suffering and the plight of the people of this part of the country such that during the days of apartheid, he would often travel to the then Natal to meet with ordinary community members, political activists and leaders of his glorious movement, the ANC.”
“Despite Nelson Mandela’s life imprisonment at Robben Island, he became a symbol of our fight against apartheid and an embodiment of the resilience of our people in their quest for justice.”
“His dedication towards the creation of a non-racial and non-sexist society where there is equal development resonated across the length and breadth of this province and inspired many generations of all races to participate in the fight against racial oppression and discrimination.”
“These celebrations we are launching today forms part of our efforts aimed at paying tribute to Tata Mandela and all our fallen heroes and heroines, our brave compatriots who actively engaged in the struggle against oppression and colonialism.”
“We salute the brave heroes and heroines who forfeited the comforts of the homes and families and fled to foreign lands to attain training as freedom fighters in order to engage the forces of oppression. Thousands lost their lives, and we owe them deep gratitude for their dedication to the fight for liberation – and their selflessness – as we celebrate our freedom today.”
“There are thousands of our fellow compatriots who made the ultimate sacrifice but whose names are not prominently recorded in the annals of history. Yet today we salute them and acknowledge their sacrifices, which led to our freedom today.”
“We need to emphasize that these celebrations belongs to all South Africans, irrespective of the political affiliation, race, colour, creed, sexual orientation, religion or cultural origin.”
“It therefore becomes the duty of all South Africans, no matter what their political and economic backgrounds, to work together towards a common objective – that of nation building. We all need to take ownership of our freedom and fight for our common destiny.”
“Compatriots, 20 years into our democracy South Africa, especially the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, has taken great strides in unshackling our people from the yokes of oppression. Millions of houses have been built for compatriots who had never had proper roofs over their heads before.”
“Millions of compatriots who previously had to travel long distances to access water now have clean potable water in their own yards. Millions who had no proper sanitation facilities now have decent toilets. And millions of compatriots who depended on candles, paraffin, wood and coal for energy now have access to affordable electricity.”
“Today indigent children have access to education in schools where they do not have to pay fees. Road upgrades and bridges have been built in areas previously hard to access, making it easier for children who previously had to skip school on rainy days to be able to attend school even in inclement weather.”
“Indeed, we have come a long way from the days when people had to travel long distances to access health care – most communities, especially rural communities, now have clinics within walking distance.”
“Free antiretroviral treatment is now available for all; as a result health challenges such as mother-to-child transmission of the dreaded HIV and Aids virus have been drastically reduced, for example. Yet challenges still exist. As a country and province we still face the scourge of crime. Today we are sad to witness a spike in crimes against the most vulnerable members of our society – women and children.”
“In line with the theme for this year’s State of the Province Address “Moving forward with speed, ensuring a better quality of life for all” we extend an invitation to all the people of this province to work with government build on the unity that we have achieved over the years of struggle and selfless dedication by many ordinary men and women.”
“Let us hold each other’s hands and embrace this freedom, reconciliation, acceptance and respect for all communities. Respect for human rights must be the new culture of our new South African nation.”
“Let no one take away your right to be free and enjoy the fruit of this democracy. Let us work hard together to create this positive future for our children.”
For more information:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya, Premier’s Spokesperson
Cell: 082 3754742
E-mail: ndabezinhlesibiya@yahoo.com
