Let’s join hands and build SA, says Mbeki

Mbeki will brief religious leaders on the situation in Zimbabwe

President Thabo Mbeki has urged South Africans to work together in dealing with problems confronting the nation. He was addressing thousands of people during Freedom Day celebrations in Cape Town.

Mbeki says high interest rates, power shortages and the escalating food and fuel prices have impacted negatively on the standard of living of people. However, Mbeki says much progress has been made over the past 14 years to restore the dignity of all South Africans following the demise of apartheid.

Meanwhile, acting Gauteng Premier Brian Hlongwa has condemned attacks on non-South Africans and locals in Attridgeville, west of Pretoria. He was addressing Freedom Day celebrations really at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Also speaking at the same rally was Tshwane Mayor Gwen Ramokgopa. She says today should be used to remember all those who scarified their lives for freedom in the country.

Northern Cape celebrations
In the Northern Cape, the Mothibistad sports ground is packed with people participating in the celebrations. A crowd of about 3 000 people has arrived at the Danie Craven Stadium in Burgersdorp for the province's main celebrations.

Northern Cape Premier Dipuo Peters has urged provincial MECs to speed up action in ensuring that communities have access to basic services. She was speaking during the provincial Freedom Day celebrations in Mothibistad outside Kuruman.

The theme of this year's celebrations is "Business Unusual: all hands on deck to speed up change". Peters says it's crucial that MECs live up to this principle as outlined by Mbeki in his State of the Nation Address earlier this year.