MZANSI celebrated 27 years of democracy yesterday.
This year, Freedom Day was celebrated alongside the 150th birthday of Charlotte Maxeke.
President Cyril Ramaphosa gave the keynote address at the Charlotte Maxeke Treatment Centre in Botshabelo, Free State.
He was accompanied by ministers Fikile Mbalula, Nathi Mthethwa, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Premier Sisi Ntombela.
Ramaphosa said: “The freedom we enjoy today is in large measure as a result of the struggles waged by the women of this country.
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“In saluting the role played by women in our struggle, I’m glad the minister of social development and the Free State government have created a legacy project in honour of Charlotte Maxeke through the establishment of the treatment centre.”
With this year’s local government elections set for October, Ramaphosa urged South Africans to take their protests to the polls and vote out leaders failing them instead of damaging property and looting.
“This election is an opportunity to make your voice heard and be part of the change you want to see.
“One of the great many facets of our democracy is that we’re able to exercise our right to protest. If those who claim to serve you are not doing so, vote them out,” he said.
- In Gauteng, Premier David Makhura started the day with a 2,7km walk in Ekurhuleni before laying a wreathe at the Chris Hani Museum, located at the house Hani used to live in.
- In KZN, Premier Sihle Zikalala laid a wreathe at Dr Langalibalele Dube’s grave to honour his role in the fight against colonialism.
- Meanwhile, speaking in Tshwane, EFF leader Julius Malema said the majority of people had nothing and were being asked to celebrate landlessness.
He was speaking at a rally in Saulsville, Atteridgeville. The rally, attended by thousands, was opened with a prayer and song by Dr Tumi.
“What did we fight for? What was Nelson Mandela arrested for? Why was Winnie Mandela isolated for so many years? We don’t have water, housing and electricity. What should you celebrate for?” he said.
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“We are not on a honeymoon with white people. White people owe us an apology and explanation for why they oppressed and killed our people.”
Malema said it was not a day of celebration but a day of survivors.
“When needed our government was not there. When people needed food parcels government was not there. It brought soldiers instead of PPEs,” he said.
Malema blamed the elderly for keeping the ANC in power.
“The people who’re selling us out today are our grandfathers and grandmothers. They’re the ones who keep these people in government,” he said.
