PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa said Mzansi is just a baby in democracy.
He said this during his Freedom Day speech at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Saturday, 27 April.
Ramaphosa said freedom rang in every city, town, and village.
"When we cast our votes for the first time, a great heaviness lifted from our shoulders.
"Even though our backs bore scars of the cruel lashes of those who had whipped and subjugated us for more than 300 years, on that day, as a united people, we stood tall," said Ramaphosa.
He said three decades later, we gather as a united people of all races at the same Union Buildings that once symbolised our pain and oppression.
"We remember heroes and heroines, and fondly remember Nelson Mandela, the democratically elected president and father of our democracy. In his memory, we'll continue to work tirelessly to achieve the democratic ideals," he said.
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Ramaphosa said after casting his ballot, Mandela described that day as the beginning of a new era, moving from pessimism and division to nation-building, reconciliation, and hope.
"Apartheid was an ideology and a system aimed at controlling every aspect of people's lives. It sought to humiliate and degrade."
He said that South Africans should be proud of progress achieved relatively in a short period of 30 years.
"We've established a society founded on the rule of law and have built democratic institutions. We've worked to restore the dignity of all South Africans, particularly the marginalised and vulnerable.
"Employment still remains our greatest and most pressing challenge. The number of employed South Africans increased from eight million in 1994 to over 16,7 million currently," said Ramaphosa.
He said the government has introduced no-fee schools and the school feeding programme. The government has expanded funding to students from the poor and working class.
"Let's stand united in purpose, to build a future where the promise of freedom rings true to South Africans."
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola said: "We stood against oppression. Freedom makes the dreams of many black kids, like myself, possible to be whoever we want to be. Sky is the limit!"
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said: "I remember vividly, President, I was a tiny young man from Thembisa who was in the crowd to celebrate this day. We're celebrating 30 years of hard work, commitment and service delivery."
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