Pretoria – South Africans across the country are invited to join in the celebrations of its official birthday of 20 Years of Freedom.
April marks the Freedom Month to commemorate the historic occasion in 1994 when South Africa achieved democracy.
South Africa will on the 27 April 2014 celebrate Freedom Day at the Union Buildings under the theme: “South Africa – A Better Place to live in”.
“April is a special month in the South Africa’s calendar. This Freedom Month is an opportunity for South Africans to share their stories, experiences and progress we have made as a young nation since the dawn of democracy in 1994.
“As government we call all citizens to join-hands and celebrate this significant occasion,” said Phumla Williams, the Acting CEO of GCIS.
The 20 Years of Freedom celebrations are taking place against the backdrop of the fifth national and provincial elections on 7 May 2014.
The first democratic elections in South Africa were held on 27 April 1994. It marked the dawn of a new phase of building a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it.
“We acknowledge that the freedom we celebrate today was not free. We therefore, make a plea to all South Africans to honour our hard fought freedom by voting on 7 May 2014, we especially encourage the young and first-time voters to exercise their democratic right by taking part in the upcoming country’s fifth election,” said Acting CEO Williams.
Freedom Day proceedings will reflect on highlights and achievements of the last 20 years. The programme will start with the interfaith prayer at Freedom Park on Sunday morning.
The National Orders ceremony will follow the Freedom Day celebrations in the afternoon at the Presidential Guesthouse. The National Orders are the highest awards that a country can bestow on its citizens or eminent foreigners. As a result of the 20 year celebrations, more people will be honoured this year.
“All citizens are invited to respond to the call and join the interfaith prayer for this beautiful land of ours,” said Acting CEO Williams. – SAnews.gov.za
