THE UDF40 National Steering Committee celebrated Mandela Day in style.
The committee celebrated the day at the late former president Nelson Mandela's statue at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Tuesday, 18 July.
Popo Molefe, the convener of the UDF40 anniversary celebration initiative, said Mandela represents the cardinal democratic principles and values that today underpin the constitution of South Africa.
"These values of Mandela inspired the United Democratic Front. We embrace them. They are enshrined in the declaration of the UDF and its working principles," he said.
Molefe, who is the former premier of the North West, said nation building became a vision that brought us together.
"We have increasingly seen those who occupy power in government and political parties moving away from what Mandela believed in. We thought it's time to remind South Africans what Mandela stood for, what we stand for as UDF," he said.
Molefe said they used the day to ignite the spirit of mobilisation and solidarity.
ALSO READ: Mkhwebane’s hubby: Mbalula, hands off my wife!
"We are also using this day to begin, reassert our democratic values, to reclaim the democracy we fought for because it's disappearing. We came here to say, South Africans, claim this democracy by making sure that you vote in 2024," he said.
He said they are not asking anyone to vote for any political party, but people should choose who they want to vote for.
"But make sure all those who are incompetent, who are corrupt, who betrayed the hopes and aspirations of our people, are voted out," said Molefe.
"Vote for those who are competent and not vote for the corrupt."
Molefe said they are a small group of people, former UDF activists and leaders remembering where they come from.
"We are driving the programme of reviving our communities to take charge of their lives, to hold politicians and civil servants accountable."
Zusipe Batyi, the communications manager of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, said: "We are remembering Mandela's values and legacy."
