Freedom Day commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa on 27 April 1994. It is an occasion for the country to remember and celebrate struggle icons and honour those who continue to be committed to transformation and to building a better life for all of us.It has been 19 years since the advent of democracy and the President will look at the achievements that have been made in entrenching democracy and creating a better life for all. Freedom Day provides a milestone for all South Africans to collectively participate in the commemoration of the pain and struggle to build a non-racial, democratic and free South Africa in which we all have the freedom to prosper. It creates awareness that freedom and human rights are for all human beings, regardless of “race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”. This day reaffirms our freedom and ensures that the violation of such rights never occurs again. • Government reaffirms its commitment to consolidate democracy and promote cultural diversity and social cohesion in South Africa, as we celebrate living in a system that guarantees that never again will our humanity be taken from any South African, irrespective of their race, gender, creed or sexual orientation. • Government is investing in infrastructure to develop the country whilst creating jobs and fighting poverty at the same time. • In commemorating all the heroes and heroines and the role played by ordinary citizens in the country and abroad, government calls on all South Africans to unite in creating a better future for all. • Nation-building requires all South Africans to live by example, ensuring that that the values and principles enshrined in our Constitution become a lived reality in the development of fully functioning communities. • We celebrate the Bill of Rights, which distinguishes us among the nations of the world and guarantees all South Africans freedom from the repression and hatred that characterised our past.
27 April 2013 will be characterised by the main national event at the Union Buildings
We all have a responsibility to ensure that our democracy and freedom is maintained and strengthened for future generations.
The Opening of //Hapo museum takes place four days before the National Freedom Day Celebrations scheduled for the 27thApril at the Union Buildings.The deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will officially open //hapo on Monday, 22 April 2013.//hapo is one of the key elements of Freedom Park, derived from a Khoi proverb “//hapo ge //hapo tama //haohasib dis tamas ka I bo”. It translates as follows: “A dream is not a dream until it is shared by the entire community”
In relation to other elements of the park, //hapo is to explore the idea of emancipation of the African voice in transforming South Africa and its cultural landscape.
The second part of the programme for 27 April 2013 will be characterised by the main national event at the Union Buildings.
The programme will then close with the National Orders ceremony later in the evening.
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