Preparations are complete for Monday's national Freedom Day commemorations at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, where President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address. The theme is “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship.” Officials note the event's significance as South Africa marks 30 years of its Constitution.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at Monday's national Freedom Day commemorations at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The theme for this year's event is “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship.” Exhibitions from various government departments will be on display, according to Government Deputy Spokesperson William Baloyi.
Baloyi said the celebrations are particularly significant, coinciding with 30 years of South Africa's Constitution. Bloemfontein was chosen as it is the country's judicial capital and seat of the Supreme Court of Appeal. He stated: “We are celebrating 30 years of the Constitution. Hence, we have chosen Bloemfontein, Free State as the venue. Why because Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of our country. Bloemfontein is the seat of the Supreme Court of Appeal. So, as we celebrate this important day of the Constitution, Bloemfontein is the correct one. But however, there is also an anger. We are celebrating 32 years of our democracy which we have attained through blood and sweat.”
April 27 marks the historic 1994 elections, the first time black South Africans exercised their right to vote. Themba Zweni, chairperson of the Mangaung Concerned Community, remarked that freedom entails responsibilities. “To me, freedom means being free to do what I am supposed to do, what I feel like doing. But it also means that the particular responsibilities that I have as a citizen of this country, I have to ensure that at the end of the day, as I exercise whatever rights that I’m exercising, I also have a responsibility towards ensuring that I build this nation.”
Roads leading to the stadium will be temporarily closed, with access via specified streets. No weapons, firearms, alcohol, glass containers, or provocative political regalia will be allowed. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
