1. Historical overview

Democracy comes from the Greek language, meaning “the people rule”. Democracy therefore is a form of government in which political power belongs to all the people and is practiced by them directly or given to elected representatives. Thus everybody should have a say in how they are ruled.

In South Africa, Freedom day is an inclusive celebration enabling South Africans from all corners of society to commemorate the pain of the past, and celebrate the victorious future of our country. By taking the necessary steps forward to put closure to the past while not forgetting it, but through celebrating this day as an everlasting reminder for us, now and for future generations

2. Freedom day Celebrations 2007

South Africa is celebrating its 13th year of democracy since the first non-racial elections on 27 April 1994, embarking on the beginning of a transformation in political, economical and social areas. The value of Freedom day to all South Africans should provide a constant message of equal rights and be reinforced in their each and every day life.

Freedom day is celebrated annually on the 27 April and this year the national celebration will be held in Bisho in the Eastern Cape Province.

Bisho is the capital of the Eastern Cape Province.  The Provincial Legislature and many other government departments are headquartered in the town.  Bisho lies just north of former provincial capital – King William’s Town.  Bisho is also host to the longest international airport runway in Southern Africa.

At the 2007 Celebrations, the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) will have an air display with a Fly Past.

The President will deliver a formal speech at the event.

People attending the varies provincial events could expect to see:

• The full diversity of culture in the province.
• Each event will emphasise unity and reconciliation; and
• will love a variety of cultural performances celebrating the freedom of South Africa.
  

3. Every South African celebrates this memorable day

Because freedom belongs to all this day should not be mistaken by the people of South Africa as just another holiday, but encourage the people of South Africa to come together, rebohle, sisonke, sibanye and work as one nation not forgetting the quest for freedom that consumed the life’s of those who fought so hard for it.

Freedom day is a memorable event throughout South Africa and each year the National Celebration forms the basis for conveying the message of unity in diversity for all. To enforce a change in the attitude among the people of South Africa with our unique, diverse ethnic, cultural, and national background to inspire the people to be innovative and build a better South Africa together and to excel in all aspects of life. Hear our voices, speak our mind, see the change.

The Roman, Pliny the Elder, said, “Ex Africa semper aliquid novi!” (Something new always comes out of Africa). Let us make this true for South Africa.

This year the theme will be, “Renewing our pledge! A national partnership to build a better life for all ” and will form the starting point for the following considered criteria:

• The full diversity of culture in each province should be represented in the celebrations;
• The emphasis of the celebrations should be on unity and reconciliation; and
• Provinces should encourage the private sector to become involved in the celebrations.
  

4. Messages and themes

The core messasage is “Renewing our pledge! A national partnership to build a better life for all”.

• The theme expresses confidance arising our achievement as a nation, in overcoming obstacles to freedom and progressing towards a better life for all.
• A call to sustain the national effort directed in this period to foster growth and development.
• Participation in Freedom day is a collective responsibility to reflect on our gains as a nation and recommidation to protect our democracy.

For enquiry, call Corney Wright at 082 332 7319

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