THOUSANDS of ANC members and volunteers celebrated the 61st anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter in Kliptown, Joburg yesterday.
The event took place at the site where the Charter was adopted 61 years ago.
The event was also used to introduce the ANC’s mayoral candidate for Joburg.
ANC members such as Gauteng chairman Paul Mashatile, the incumbent mayor Parks Tau, Home Affairs Minister Melusi Gigaba, ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize and Gauteng MEC of Health Qedani Mahlangu were present.
The crowd was entertained by performances by DJ Zinhle, singer and presenter Morena, Nokwazi and Busisiwa. There were also performances by different cultural dance groups.
Addressing the crowd, Joburg’s mayor, Parks Tau, said that it is important for South Africans to understand the task of building freedom.
“Freedom means that the people shall govern and no government shall claim authority without the will of the people.”
He said development is key to freedom, and called for councillors to work with the people.
“Freedom is about overcoming hunger. It is about overcoming poverty. Power must go back to the people,” he said.
He said those with eyes can see the work of the ANC in Jozi.
“We want to make sure we win Joburg and all other councils in Gauteng,” said Mashatile.
Mashatile said they were proud of Tau and that was why they were endorsing him again.
Zweli Mkhize said celebrating the Freedom Charter was also about celebrating non-racialism.
“Diversity is our strength. Opportunities must be made available to all of us, regardless of gender. People like Penny Sparrow have no future in this country.”
