The United States and the Canadian Government have joined South Africa to celebrate its 30th Freedom Day on Saturday 28th April, 2024.
Secretary of States, Antony Blinken on behalf of the people of United States in a separate statement congratulated to all South Africans on this historic 30th anniversary of their country’s first democratic elections.
He said, “Freedom Day provides us with an opportunity to underscore the strong U.S.- South Africa relationship built upon our two countries’ mutual commitment to democracy and human rights.
“The United States reaffirms its dedication to collaborate with South Africa to improve the health of our peoples, foster deeper economic and commercial relations, and strengthen cooperation to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and people everywhere.
“I am hopeful that we may also expand our collaboration to confront the threat and mitigate the impacts of climate change. I offer my best wishes on this historic 30th anniversary and a year of prosperity ahead, the Secretary of the state added.
Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said in a statement, “Thirty years ago today, South Africa began a new chapter. After centuries of colonialism and decades of apartheid, South Africans held their first election open to all voters.
“Now a national holiday in South Africa, Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate democracy. It’s also a day to honour the heroes who led the way, including Nelson Mandela, a symbol of anti-apartheid revolution and freedom who showed us that better is possible.
“Only four months after being released, Nelson Mandela came to Canada – a testament to our country’s strong support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
“Canadians were proud to play a role in helping South Africa draft its first democratic constitution. And in the years that followed, the bond between our countries only grew: President Mandela became the first foreign leader to be named an honorary Companion of the Order of Canada and the first living person to receive honorary Canadian citizenship.
“Canada remains a strong partner to South Africa. Our countries work closely on a wide range of shared priorities, including fighting climate change, investing in clean energy, and deepening partnership in science, technology, and innovation.
“We continue to advance these priorities ahead of 2025, when Canada and South Africa will be hosting the G7 and G20 summits, respectively.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I join South African communities in Canada and around the world in marking this milestone anniversary. Our friendship will only get stronger”, the Prime Minister concluded.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa in his address to celebrate this milestone, made it known that the 27th of April 1994 was a victory for non-racialism, for non-sexism, for human dignity and progress. Not just in South Africa, but everywhere.
He added, “It was a victory for reconciliation. The democratic breakthrough was as much about liberating black South Africans from apartheid as it was about freeing white South Africans from their prejudice and fear.
“As President Nelson Mandela said, the system of apartheid robbed both the oppressed and the oppressor alike of their humanity. Before the 27th of April 1994 many believed our country would descend into a race war. Many believed that given how deep the wounds of mistrust were, that we would turn against each other.
“And yet we did not do so. Together, we worked hard and with purpose to bring about a reconciliation between the races. We must never let our spirits be dampened by detractors, whether they are abroad or in our own country, who want to diminish what we achieved in 1994 and in the years that have followed”.
Ramaphosa noted that South Africa’s democracy is young, adding that most of the world’s most established democracies are over a hundred years old. “The progress that has been made in a relatively short period of thirty years is something of which we can and should all be proud”, he said boldly.
President Ramaphosa on Saturday, 27 April 2024 led the 2024 Freedom Day national celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Freedom Day 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic dispensation and commemorates the nation’s first democratic election on 27 April 1994.
Under the theme “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership, and Growth,” this year’s Freedom Month celebrations hold special significance as they also coincide with 28th anniversary of the enactment of the South African Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
Reflecting on the strides made over the past three decades, South Africans honour the sacrifices of those who fought tirelessly for a democratic, equal, and discrimination-free nation.
According to the statement by the Presidency, the Freedom Day event unite all spheres of government and stakeholders and partners from all sectors of society in celebrating our democratic journey.
The observance of this historic milestone as preparations are being finalised for the Wednesday, May 29 2024 National and Provincial elections, is an inclusive national occasion that emphasizes the continuous evolution of our democratic processes and the enduring spirit of civic engagement.
Freedom Day and Freedom Month seek to deepen understanding of South Africa’s history and development, foster dialogue on our constitutional journey, and mobilise the public and private sectors towards addressing pressing challenges.
This commemoration calls on all South Africans to honour our past, celebrate our achievements, and collectively build a future where everyone enjoys equal rights.