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2 February 2005

South Africans still vividly recall standing in long, snaking queues to cast their first vote, in the country’s first democratic that gave birth to our freedom.

With memories of the transition still so fresh, it is hard to believe that 10 years of democracy and freedom have passed.

To coincide with the opening of Parliament and President Thabo Mbeki’s State of the Nation address on Friday morning, 11 February, there will be a mammoth celebration at Athlone Stadium to bring official closure to the year long celebrations.

While national morale is high after clinching the World Cup 2010 Soccer Bid, the event will help ensure that people enter the second decade of freedom in high spirits, ready to work together to bring further and faster progress. In so doing it will give expression to the anniversary theme: Celebrating Ten Years of Freedom – A people united for a better South Africa and a better world!

Capetonians – who never really need much reason to party – will be entertained by some of the country’s top performers as they join us in “Celebrating Life”. They include such artists as Jimmy Dludlu, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Judith Sephuma, Thandiswa Mazwai, Brassie Vannie Kaap, Freshly Ground and Vicky Sampson to drop but a few names.

As host, the Mother City will be decorated with lamp posters, bearing the 10 years logo and South African flag, lining the route from Cape Town International Airport to Parliament and across the Cape Flats.

President Thabo Mbeki, Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Cabinet Ministers, Premiers, Members of Cabinet, Cape Town Mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo and many dignitaries are expected to attend the celebrations at the Athlone Stadium.

The programme kicks off at 15:00 with musical performances by a host of artists, until the formal part of the programme starts at 19:00. President Mbeki addresses the nation, with the National Anthem sung by a mass choir, and messages of goodwill from provincial representatives. The State of the Nation parade will highlight diverse cultures and reflect on the growth throughout the past 10 years and set the pace for government’s future commitments.

The cultural programme will follow after the formalities have been concluded.

Should Athlone Stadium be packed to capacity, the overflow of people will be directed to Vygieskraal stadium nearby, where they can watch proceedings live via a big screen.

The event will be broadcast live on SABC 2 from 19:00.

The celebrations are expected to end at about 22:00.

Contacts:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 440 6996
Colin Cruywagen
Cell: 082 377 9916
Gert Bam
Cell: 084 222 1242
Clayton Wakeford
Cell: 082 827 8792

Issued by: GCIS on behalf of the National Logistics Committee of the Ten years of Freedom Celebrations
2 February 2005