President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead South Africa’s celebration of 25 years of freedom and democracy at the national Freedom Day event at Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, on Saturday.
South Africans observe Freedom Day on 27 April each year to mark the date in 1994 of the first democratic election in which all South Africans were able to participate. The images of the long, snaking queues at voting stations is embedded in the minds of South Africans.
This year’s Freedom Day celebrations will take place at the Miki Yili Stadium in Joza Township at Makhanda.
“The 2019 National Freedom Day marks 25 years of freedom from apartheid colonial oppression and the country’s development as a constitutional democracy.
“Freedom Day will be an occasion for the nation to reflect on how South Africa’s freedom and democracy was achieved and on the role all South Africans can play in growing the country together into the future,” said the Presidency in a statement.
The theme for this year’s event is "Celebrating 25 Years of Democracy".
The 2019 celebrations comes just days before the sixth general election on 8 May 2019, where eligible voters will once again be able to exercise their democratic right to elect new leadership for the country.
“This national day is the culmination of Freedom Month which is an opportunity for South Africans to strengthen solidarity, express pride in our national identity and promote social cohesion.
“Freedom Month is a period during which the nation remembers and honours heroes who sacrificed their lives for freedom,” said the Presidency.
Government has invited as many South Africans as possible to actively celebrate Freedom Day in Makhanda and elsewhere around the country. – SAnews.gov.za
