South Africans stand together for Freedom Day
By Dudu Shaba
11 May 2017
Thousands of South Africans gathered at different centres to mark the 23rd anniversary of Freedom and Democracy in South Africa, while the South African President Jacob Zuma presided over the main event in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Umhlaba Uyalingana.
Freedom Day is an annual celebration of South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections that took place in 27 April 2017. The day represents peace, unity, and the restoration of human dignity in all South Africans.
This year’s celebration was held under the theme “The Year of Oliver Reginald Tambo: United for Radical Socio- economic Transformation”.
In the Mpumalanga Province, thousands of people thronged to Tabane Primary School sports field, Mmamehlake, Dr. JS Moroka Municipality, to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Freedom and Democracy.
Members of the Executive Committee of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, the Executive Mayor of the Dr J.S. Moroka District, delegates from multi faith organizations, provincial departments, delegates from the National Departments, GCIS, members of the House of Traditional leaders, Chapter Nine institutions, local schools, NGO’s, communities, political parties, the business sector, youth and women attended the event.
Addressing the crowd, MEC for Culture, Sports & Recreation, Ms Norah Mahlangu-Mabena opened the event by sending condolences to the families of 19 learners that died in a road accident near Bronkhorspruit.
She acknowledged the South African Government for the progress it has made since its inception in 1994. She said that citizens in the Mpumalanga Province now have access to water, education and libraries, free access to clinics services and that government is still ensuring that the roads are in good condition in the province. She also added that the South African Government is making progress in ensuring that the land is taken back to the owners in a proper way.
“In the Mpumalanga province we are rejoicing because we do not have children who go to class without eating” she said.
She committed that by 2020, the Mpumalanga Provincial Government will implement the library services to the Dr. J. S. Moroka district.
She also indicated that the Provincial government is trying hard to reduce unemployment, which remains one of the highest triggers of drug abuse.
“The Mpumalanga Provincial Government is working hard to fight and to reduce the rate of drug abuse in our communities and we are working towards having a safe and crime free community,” she said.
School uniforms were handed over to learners from resource deprived families and title deeds were handed over to identified families by MEC Mahlangu- Mabena.
Issued by Communications Chief Directorate
