President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the national Freedom Day celebrations to be held at the Dr. Rantli Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Free State, on Friday, 27 April 2018.
Since the first democratic election on 27 April 1994, South Africa has celebrated Freedom Day and Month during April. The day and month are also utilised to mark the liberation of South Africa and its people from colonialism and apartheid.
In the year South Africa is marking the centenary of the nation’s founding father, Nelson Mandela, the Freedom Day celebrations will recognise the role this global icon played in the attainment of freedom.
The theme for the 2018 Freedom Month celebrations is “The Year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: Towards Full Realisation of Our Freedom through Radical Socio-economic Transformation”, supported by the sub-theme “Madiba and Ma-Sisulu – Pioneers of freedom and democracy”.
This year’s celebrations will focus on five areas: the deepening of the understanding of where South Africa comes from and how democracy was achieved; celebrating the legacy of struggle icons Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu; identification and celebration of untold stories of unsung heroes and heroines in the society; showcasing of South Africa’s diverse background and culture; mobilisation of the society around the implementation of vision 2030, and inspiring confidence and building of a positive image of South Africa as a proud and caring nation.
President Ramaphosa will use the occasion of Freedom Day to call on the nation to emulate our Struggle icons and ensure their legacy lives on. Government is urging South Africans to “Be the Legacy” and sustain the contributions made by Nelson Mandela, Albertina Sisulu and other leaders.
Proceedings at the Dr. Rantli Molemela Stadium will begin at 8h00 and the programme includes interfaith prayers, a military parade, cultural items, an entertainment programme and the keynote address by President Ramaphosa.
South Africans are invited to attend this event in their numbers, as part of demonstrating national unity and social cohesion.
