Pretoria - Scores of people, some waving South African flags, have started making their way to the Union Buildings in Tshwane where the main Freedom Day celebration event is being held.
President Jacob Zuma is expected to address the gathering. There will also be prayers and messages of support by leaders of political parties represented in Parliament.
As early as 9am the main streets leading to the Union Buildings were closed to normal traffic, while a heavy police contingent maintained security around the area.
On Zuma’s arrival, a guard of honour is expected to be performed by the SA National Defence Force, followed by the singing of the national anthem and the 21 gun salute.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Mobilising society towards consolidating our democracy and freedom’. Some of the key messages this year include ‘South Africa is better off since 1994’, and ‘The Constitution anchors our vision of a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity’.
April 27 is synonymous with freedom in South Africa after the country attained its democracy on this day in 1994.
Later on in the day, the President will confer National Orders. - SAnews.gov.za
