Ramaphosa to host Freedom Day
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the national Freedom Day celebrations at the Dr Rantli Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein tomorrow.
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 he 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 MaSisulu – 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 Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu; identification and celebration of untold stories of unsung heroes and heroines; showcasing of South Africa’s diverse background and culture; and mobilisation of 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.
Ramaphosa will use the occasion of Freedom Day to call on the nation to emulate the country’s Struggle icons and ensure that their legacy lives on. The 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 8am.
The programme includes interfaith prayers, a military parade, cultural items, an entertainment programme and the keynote address by Ramaphosa.