Press Statements
Author : Jackson Mthembu
ANC Statement on South African Freedom Day 2014
27 April 2014
Today April 27th, 2014 the African National Congress joins all South Africans in celebrating Freedom Day, the 20th anniversary of our country`s first non-racial democratic elections. This sacred day marks the end of centuries of colonial domination and racial oppression. It marks the day when, for the first time, all South Africans enjoyed the freedom to vote for the government of their choice. The ANC will be forever honored and profoundly humbled that the people of South Africa, in overwhelming numbers, chose this organization to lead the first democratic government in the nation`s history, under the leadership of the father of our nation, the icon of our struggle Isithwalandwe/Seaparankoe Comrade President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Freedom Day represents the eternal vindication of the countless freedom-loving South Africans who fought for freedom. The struggle for freedom in this land was multi-generational, from the wars of resistance fought against the colonists, to the formation of the African National Congress in 1912, the later formation of other liberation movements, trade unions and civic organizations, and the immeasurable contributions of ordinary activists, students, workers, mothers, fathers, daughters and sons. We enjoy democracy today, thanks to the sacrifices of so many who dedicated, and in too many cases lost, their lives for the dream of a free and democratic South Africa. So many did not live to see our freedom. Freedom fighters such as Comrades Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Solomon Mahlangu, Steve Biko, Ruth First and so many others, among other great but lesser known South Africans, live on in our hearts and in the growing democracy that they helped build, and that we so cherish.
As we celebrate this day, we celebrate the achievements of 20 years of democratic government. On the 27th of April 1994, South Africans did not just exercise and celebrate their freedom for its own sake, they did so in hope for a better life. Over the past 20 years the ANC government, under the leadership of Presidents Mandela, Mbeki, Motlanthe and Zuma, has worked to create a better life for all. During this period more South Africans than ever before in our country`s history, have obtained not only freedom and the restoration of their dignity, but the building blocks of a better life: jobs, homes, access to basic services, education, health care and social grants for those in need.
And yet there is still more to do. Too many of our people are not fully able to enjoy the fruits of democracy, due to persistent poverty, unemployment and inequality, the painful legacy of our past. It is out of this awareness that we, as the ANC, have redoubled our efforts to ensure that all South Africans benefit from our democracy, affirming that indeed radical socio-economic transformation must be the focus of the second phase of democratic transition. We remain as committed today as we were in 1994, to build a South Africa that is united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous. In anticipation of a renewed mandate after the 2014 national election, we are committed to working with all South Africans to boldly and decisively implement the policies and programmes which will enable all citizens to participate in the economy and enjoy a better quality of life.
As we celebrate this 20th Freedom Year, it is fitting to recall the words of one of our founding fathers, Tata Madiba. On the first anniversary of Freedom Day in 1995, he reminded us:
"The birth of our South African nation has, like any other, passed through a long and often painful process. The ultimate goal of a better life has yet to be realised.
But if any one day marked the crossing of the divide from a past of conflict and division to the possibility of unity and peace; from inequality to equality; from a history of oppression to a future of freedom, it is 27 April 1994.
On this day, you, the people, took your destiny into your own hands. You decided that nothing would prevent you from exercising your hard-won right to elect a government of your choice. Your patience, your discipline, your single-minded purposefulness have become a legend throughout the world."
Inspired by our past to create a better future, we remain committed to the task at hand. It is for this reason the ANC calls upon all eligible voters to come out in their numbers on the 7th May 2014 to vote ANC and continue to move South Africa forward.
Issued by
Jackson Mthembu
National Spokesperson
African National Congress
Enquiries
Keith Khoza 082 823 9672
Khusela Sangoni 072 854 5707
Author : Jackson Mthembu
ANC Statement on South African Freedom Day 2014
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| President Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013, with Ethiopian military officer in 1962. |
Today April 27th, 2014 the African National Congress joins all South Africans in celebrating Freedom Day, the 20th anniversary of our country`s first non-racial democratic elections. This sacred day marks the end of centuries of colonial domination and racial oppression. It marks the day when, for the first time, all South Africans enjoyed the freedom to vote for the government of their choice. The ANC will be forever honored and profoundly humbled that the people of South Africa, in overwhelming numbers, chose this organization to lead the first democratic government in the nation`s history, under the leadership of the father of our nation, the icon of our struggle Isithwalandwe/Seaparankoe Comrade President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Freedom Day represents the eternal vindication of the countless freedom-loving South Africans who fought for freedom. The struggle for freedom in this land was multi-generational, from the wars of resistance fought against the colonists, to the formation of the African National Congress in 1912, the later formation of other liberation movements, trade unions and civic organizations, and the immeasurable contributions of ordinary activists, students, workers, mothers, fathers, daughters and sons. We enjoy democracy today, thanks to the sacrifices of so many who dedicated, and in too many cases lost, their lives for the dream of a free and democratic South Africa. So many did not live to see our freedom. Freedom fighters such as Comrades Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Solomon Mahlangu, Steve Biko, Ruth First and so many others, among other great but lesser known South Africans, live on in our hearts and in the growing democracy that they helped build, and that we so cherish.
As we celebrate this day, we celebrate the achievements of 20 years of democratic government. On the 27th of April 1994, South Africans did not just exercise and celebrate their freedom for its own sake, they did so in hope for a better life. Over the past 20 years the ANC government, under the leadership of Presidents Mandela, Mbeki, Motlanthe and Zuma, has worked to create a better life for all. During this period more South Africans than ever before in our country`s history, have obtained not only freedom and the restoration of their dignity, but the building blocks of a better life: jobs, homes, access to basic services, education, health care and social grants for those in need.
And yet there is still more to do. Too many of our people are not fully able to enjoy the fruits of democracy, due to persistent poverty, unemployment and inequality, the painful legacy of our past. It is out of this awareness that we, as the ANC, have redoubled our efforts to ensure that all South Africans benefit from our democracy, affirming that indeed radical socio-economic transformation must be the focus of the second phase of democratic transition. We remain as committed today as we were in 1994, to build a South Africa that is united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous. In anticipation of a renewed mandate after the 2014 national election, we are committed to working with all South Africans to boldly and decisively implement the policies and programmes which will enable all citizens to participate in the economy and enjoy a better quality of life.
As we celebrate this 20th Freedom Year, it is fitting to recall the words of one of our founding fathers, Tata Madiba. On the first anniversary of Freedom Day in 1995, he reminded us:
"The birth of our South African nation has, like any other, passed through a long and often painful process. The ultimate goal of a better life has yet to be realised.
But if any one day marked the crossing of the divide from a past of conflict and division to the possibility of unity and peace; from inequality to equality; from a history of oppression to a future of freedom, it is 27 April 1994.
On this day, you, the people, took your destiny into your own hands. You decided that nothing would prevent you from exercising your hard-won right to elect a government of your choice. Your patience, your discipline, your single-minded purposefulness have become a legend throughout the world."
Inspired by our past to create a better future, we remain committed to the task at hand. It is for this reason the ANC calls upon all eligible voters to come out in their numbers on the 7th May 2014 to vote ANC and continue to move South Africa forward.
Issued by
Jackson Mthembu
National Spokesperson
African National Congress
Enquiries
Keith Khoza 082 823 9672
Khusela Sangoni 072 854 5707
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