Play your part by joining in the celebrations of 18 years of transition from apartheid to an inclusive democracy and reflecting on the achievements we have made as a nation.
President Jacob Zuma will address the main national celebration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with the City of Tshwane will further host the Freedom Walk to the Union Building.
This will be followed by the 16th National Orders Ceremony which will take place at the Presidential Guest House. The National Orders are awarded to South Africans as well as friends and associates of South Africa both locally and internationally who have made extraordinary contributions to our society.
Freedom Day commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa on 27 April 1994. It is an occasion for the country to remember and celebrate struggle icons and honour those who continue to be committed to transformation and to building a better life for all of us.
It has been 18 years since the advent of democracy and the President will look at the achievements that have been made in entrenching democracy and creating a better life for all.
Freedom Day provides a milestone for all South Africans to collectively participate in the commemoration of the pain and struggle to build a non-racial, democratic and free South Africa in which we all have the freedom to prosper.
It creates awareness that freedom and human rights are for all human beings, regardless of “race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”. This day reaffirms our freedom and ensures that the violation of such rights never occurs again.
Government reaffirms its commitment to consolidate democracy and promote cultural diversity and social cohesion in South Africa, as we celebrate living in a system that guarantees that never again will our humanity be taken from any South African, irrespective of their race, gender, creed or sexual orientation.
Government is investing in infrastructure to develop the country whilst creating jobs and fighting poverty at the same time.
In commemorating all the heroes and heroines and the role played by ordinary citizens in the country and abroad, government calls on all South Africans to unite in creating a better future for all.
Nation-building requires all South Africans to live by example, ensuring that that the values and principles enshrined in our Constitution become a lived reality in the development of fully functioning communities.
We celebrate the Bill of Rights, which distinguishes us among the nations of the world and guarantees all South Africans freedom from the repression and hatred that characterised our past.
We all have a responsibility to ensure that our democracy and freedom is maintained and strengthened for future generations.
Commemorations will also be held throughout the country.
