The three arms of the State - Government, parliament and the judiciary - will come together to celebrate National Reconciliation Day for the first time at Freedom Park in Pretoria.
President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will be joined by the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Honourable Mninawa Mahlangu and the Chief Justice of the Republic, Honourable Mogoeng Mogoeng to mark this important day in the history of the country.
The commemoration of national days creates a platform to implement the principles embedded in the Constitution of South Africa. The Preamble of the Constitution states: “We the people of South Africa, Recognise the injustices of the past, Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom of our land; Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country, and Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in diversity”. The Preamble of the South African constitution emphasises reconciliation and nation building principles.
The highlight of this year’s celebrations will be the official opening by the President, of the access road that links the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park.
The opening of the road that previously divided the two institutions will play a huge part in reconciling our society as both of these memorial sites represent different faces of South Africa’s history and culture.
The access road will also enable easy access of visitors to both institutions which will play a huge role in nation building and social cohesion, as visitors from both sides come from different political affiliations and cultures.
President Zuma will deliver a keynote address and officially unveil the plaque that will signify the opening of the access road that links both institutions.
Historical background of The Freedom Park and Voortrekker Monument
The Freedom Park and Voortrekker Monument both represent different facets of South Africa’s history. Freedom Park was established in 2009 by the Department of Arts and Culture. The core function of Freedom Park is to provide a pioneering and empowering heritage destination that reflects South Africa’s pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid and post apartheid experiences. It is aimed at contributing to mutual understanding and appreciation of various communities and nations.
When Freedom was initially conceptualised, the following are some of the components that were envisaged:
- A monument dedicated to victims of the struggle against apartheid
- A museum that will honour casualties of apartheid
- A museum that will exhibit the history of the Liberation Struggle
- A national monument, statue or work of art in memory of cadres who died during the Liberation Struggle.
The Voortrekker Monument, on the other hand, was inaugurated in 1949 as a unique Monument which commemorates the Pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner. The Monument also manages Kerkenberg and the Blood River Heritage.
Both institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding as a symbol of goodwill to work together to foster reconciliation. The opening of the road is part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
