Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has opened a road linking the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park in Pretoria to mark Reconciliation Day.
The road links the two previously divided institutions directly.
Zuma was joined by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane and Mayor of Tshwane Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
The President said the opening of the access road indicated progress in the national project of reconciliation.
Freedom Park was established in 2009 to provide a heritage destination that reflects South Africa's pre-colonial, colonial, apartheid and post-apartheid experiences. It is aimed at contributing to mutual understanding and appreciation of various communities and nations.
The Voortrekker Monument, on the other hand, was inaugurated in 1949 as a unique monument which commemorates the pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner. The monument also manages Kerkenberg and the Blood River Heritage.
The opening of the road is expected to play a part in reconciling South African society as both of these memorial sites represent different faces of South Africa's history and culture.
Freedom Park and the Voortrekker Monument have signed a Memorandum of Understanding as a symbol of goodwill to work together to foster reconciliation.
Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa urged South Africans in their daily lives to display that they are proud South Africans who would do anything to display peace in our country.
He said that the road to reconciliation was not going to be easy, but that he was inspired by the nations determination not to give up.
