Pretoria - As the country commemorates 60 years of the Freedom Charter, Brand South Africa has called on all South Africans to play their part in moving the country towards socio-economic growth and development.
“South Africa’s freedom was borne of the collective and unwavering efforts of millions of citizens. A future characterised by prosperity and development – anchored by the National Development Plan - will be borne of no less,” Brand SA, the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country's brand reputation as well as building pride and patriotism among South Africans, said on Wednesday.
Friday will mark the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Charter adopted by South Africa in 1955. It is a foundation for a national culture based on a set of values that reinforces the new constitutional dispensation.
Although the Freedom Charter is 60 years old, the spirit in which it was crafted and the sentiments contained within its pages, remains relevant and undisputed, said Brand SA.
The Freedom Charter outlined the vision of a South Africa where:
- A spirit of freedom, equality and democracy would characterise the country and would be embodied by the people.
- All citizens would have equal rights and equal access to opportunities, including amongst others, education, housing and employment opportunities.
- South Africa would take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the global community of nations and would make a meaningful contribution to sustainable international peace, security and development.
“The Freedom Charter remains one of the most progressive documents in South Africa’s history as it represents the collective will of a coalition of like-minded South Africans who transcended race, religion and political ideology to come together to craft the vision of a South Africa which would belong to all who lived in it,” said Brand SA.
The longevity of the Freedom Charter, was further assured when it became the basis of the National Development Plan which is regarded as the country’s blueprint for socio-economic development.
This plan will set the tone for a South Africa defined by equality, development and prosperity until 2030 and beyond.
The National Development Plan, which is the most recent document to be based on the spirit and ethos of the Freedom Charter, is already being implemented with a view to addressing systemic challenges which would impede South Africa’s long term growth and development.
These include infrastructure development, job creation, energy security, as well as people centred development. – SAnews.gov.za
