Pretoria - As South Africans prepare locally to commemorate Freedom Day on Wednesday, the High Commission in New Delhi says it will also mark the day with celebrations.
The High Commission will host the 17th Freedom Day celebrations at 7 Green Avenue Lane Vasant Kunj, New Delhi tomorrow evening.
As part of the celebrations, there will be performances by poet Masoja Msiza and Mbaqanga music group Ihashi Elimhlophe. An award will also be handed to Rajni Kumar for her contribution to the South African anti-apartheid struggle.
"Our objective in this 17th Freedom Day celebrations is three-fold, namely to honour an Indian stalwart, Mrs Rajni Kumar, for her relentless and selfless role in exposing and defeating the apartheid system which, through tireless efforts of people like her, the international community eventually declared a crime against humanity; showcase and celebrate South African art, music and poetry, to our predominantly Indian guests and, of course, welcome the new South African Consul General to India, Mr Pule Malefane, who is based in Mumbai," said South African High Commissioner Harris Majeke.
Senior Indian government officials, leaders of various political parties as well as the business community among others will attend the celebrations.
In South Africa, President Jacob Zuma will address celebrations at the Union Buildings. This year's theme for celebrations is "working together to unite the nation, promote democracy and protect freedom".
The celebrations will be followed by the awarding of National Orders to 37 recipients. Former Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan and Irvin Khoza the former chairman of the Committee are among those who will be honoured at the awards.
Former Brazilian President Lula da Silva will also be honoured. Tsietsi Mashinini will receive the Order of Luthuli posthumously for the role he played in the 1976 Soweto student uprisings.
Cabinet has called on South Africans to observe the day, adding that the month provided an "opportunity" for all communities to display national diversity. - BuaNews
