A day to take us back to good times

SA Day will spark a spirit of nation- and communitybuilding among the citizens of our beautiful country Thabo Makgoba Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town

With the Rainbow Nation ideal under scrutiny more than two decades into democracy, a group of citizens want South Africans to regain the unity of the Mandela era.

South Africa Day will be celebrated on Saturday. The date was chosen to mark the signing of the interim constitution by 26 political parties on November 25 1993. Under this banner, organisers want the country to pull together.

“Essentially, it is our day. A day to stand up, acknowledge our challenges, and together commit to ensuring our future is bright and promising. For in unity lies greatness,” said Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba, the patron and president of South Africa Day.

“If we cast our minds back to all we represent, we are reminded of the historical spirit of co-operation and desire for unity that led to our democracy.

“Using the existing foundations to build a prosperous and inclusive future for all South Africans is what South Africa Day seeks to foster and expand on.”

Organisers emphasise that South Africa Day is a citizen-driven and business-supported “day of celebration and of community togetherness”.

With the country full of possibility, and with a vibrant population, they believe the day could be a catalyst that can be harnessed to ensure “positive nation-building and a prosperous future”.

Makgoba said: “Collectively we can positively build our economy and our country.

“South Africa Day will spark a spirit of nation- and community-building among the citizens of our beautiful country, working alongside business and the South African government, to contribute to the wellbeing of our economy and to the prosperity of all our citizens.

“We urge business leaders to be at the forefront of the change we want to see in our society, and to positively shape the social development and business landscape of tomorrow.”

Organisers have asked for support and commitment by signing a pledge on www.southafricaday.org.za, declaring that you can contribute to building our country to become a winning nation that we can all embrace.