Freedom Month celebrations are an opportunity for South Africans to work together and unite around a common agenda to build a prosperous South Africa, as envisaged in the National Development Plan, says the Department of Arts and Culture.
The department said this month also provides South Africa with 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 Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
South Africa celebrates Freedom Month in April to commemorate the historic occasion in 1994 when South Africa achieved freedom and democracy, where all its citizens became free from discrimination and oppression, moving away from hatred, division and a painful history to build a common future together.
The celebrations coincide with the centenary of the late former President Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu, a heroine of the liberation Struggle.
The theme for the 2018 Freedom Month celebrations is ‘The Year of Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela: United for Radical Economic Transformation’.
According to the Department of Arts and Culture, Freedom Month recognises and celebrates the strides that have been 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 remain.
“The celebrations also present 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,” the department said.
National Freedom Day Celebrations will be held on 27 April 2018 at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Rocklands, Bloemfontein.
Government has encouraged 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
- Panel discussion on freedom and radical socio-economic transformation: 12 April 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 6pm.
- Freedom and the realisation of socio-economic rights: 26 April 2018 at University of the Free State (Institute for Reconciliation & Social Justice) at 6pm.
A Social Cohesion Dialogue was held on 4 April at the War Museum in Bloemfontein at 12h00. - SAnews.gov.za
