The three arms of the State Government, parliament and the judiciary will come together to celebrate National Reconciliation Day for the first time at Freedom Park in Pretoria on December 16, 2011.
President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will be joined by the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Honourable Mninawa Mahlangu and the Chief Justice of the Republic, Honorable Mogoeng Mogoeng to mark this important day in the history of the country.
The commemoration of national days creates a platform to implement the principles embedded in the Constitution of South Africa. The Preamble of the Constitution states: “We the people of South Africa, Recognize the injustices of the past, Honor those who suffered for justice and freedom of our land; Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country, and believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in diversity”. The Preamble of the South African constitution emphasizes reconciliation and nation building principles.
The highlight of this year’s celebrations will be the official opening by the President of the access road that links the Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park. The opening of the road that previously divided the two institutions will play a huge part in reconciling our society as both of these memorial sites represent different faces of South Africa’s history and culture. The access road will also enable easy access of visitors to both institutions which will play a huge role in nation building and social cohesion, as visitors from both sides come from different political affiliations and cultures.Zuma will deliver a keynote address and officially unveil the plaque that will signify the opening of the access road that links both institutions.
Architect Chris Kroese talks about the architecture of Freedom Park at Salvokop, Pretoria.
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