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Freedom Day 2011

27 April

Working together to unite the nation, promote democracy and protect freedom

Freedom Day commemorates the first democratic elections held in South Africa on 27 April 1994. On Freedom Day the country celebrates the achievements that have been made in entrenching democracy and creating a better life for all.

Government calls on all South Africans to join in celebrating National Freedom Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday, 27 April 2011, where President Jacob Zuma will address the event at 10h00.

Events on Freedom Day 2011

• President Jacob Zuma celebrates Freedom Day and bestows National Orders
• Gauteng celebrates Freedom Day at Freedom Park [PDF]
• Free State celebrates Freedom Day
• International Relations and Cooperation celebrates Freedom Day in New Delhi

Freedom day is celebrated annually as a reminder of the struggle for a free and just South Africa. This year, we celebrate 17 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa and the achievements we have made as a nation.

We witnessed the electrifying consolidation of our national identity during the hosting of the World Cup 2010, supporting the class of 2010 and even volunteering during the public service strike. It is this passion that must be maintained and built on.

Freedom Day provides a milestone for all South Africans to collectively participate in the commemoration of the pain and struggle to build a non-racial, democratic and free South Africa in which we all have the freedom to prosper.

• Government reaffirms its commitment to consolidate democracy and promote cultural diversity and social cohesion in South Africa, as we celebrate living in a system that guarantees that never again will our humanity be taken from any South African, irrespective of their race, gender, creed or sexual orientation. 
• In commemorating all the hero and heroines and the role played by ordinary citizens in the country and abroad, government calls on all South Africans to unite in creating a better future for all.  
• Nation-building requires all South Africans to live by example, ensuring that that the values and principles enshrined in our Constitution become a lived reality in the development of fully functioning communities.  
• We celebrate the Bill of Rights, which distinguishes us among the nations of the world and guarantees all South Africans freedom from the repression and hatred that characterised our past.  

We all have a responsibility to ensure that our democracy and freedom is maintained and strengthened for future generations.

Read more about the meaning of Freedom Day 2011.

Video on announcement on the Freedom Month theme

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Last modified: 26 April 2011 14:21:25.