By Becker Semela:
South Africans across the country gathered on Monday, 27 April, to celebrate Freedom Day, a moment that reminds the country of its long journey from oppression to democracy.
Speaking at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, in Bloemfontein, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation with a message of reflection, progress and renewed commitment to building a better South Africa for all.
The President began by acknowledging the importance of Freedom Day as more than just a public holiday. He said it is a day to remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and to recognise the responsibility that comes with it. He reminded the people that freedom was not easily won, but came through struggle, unity, and courage.
Fight against corruption
President Ramaphosa spoke about the ongoing fight against corruption, highlighting the role of commissions of inquiry such as the Mandlanga Commission. He said these commissions are important tools in exposing wrongdoing, even within institutions like the police.
According to the President, their work is helping to uncover criminal activities and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. “We must support the work of these commissions; they are doing good work to expose criminals so they can face the law. Corruption steals from the people and weakens our democracy and we will not allow it to continue,” Ramaphosa said.
Economic development
The President also spoke about the importance of economic development, particularly in provinces like the Free State. He praised the province for its strong agricultural sector, describing it as “a key contributor” to the country’s economy.
However, he emphasised that more must be done to unlock its full potential, especially in creating jobs. “The Free State is one of the provinces that supports our country through agriculture; we must continue to strengthen this sector so that it can create more opportunities for our people,” he said.
Continuous land issue
Land reform was another key issue raised during the speech. Ramaphosa said the government is making progress in restoring land to those who were dispossessed under apartheid laws, including the 1913 Natives Land Act.
He stressed that land reform is not only about returning land, but also about ensuring that it is used productively. “We are restoring land to many who lost it in the past; at the same time, we are supporting farmers to make sure the land is used to grow our economy and feed our nation,” he said.
He emphasised that the Free State is leading the way in providing support to emerging farmers, helping them to develop their skills and succeed in agriculture. “This is an important step in building a more inclusive economy,” said Ramaphosa.
Reflecting on the past three decades of democracy, President Ramaphosa spoke about the role of broad-based black economic empowerment policies in opening up the economy. He said these policies have helped to increase the participation of black South Africans, women, and people with disabilities. “Over the last 32 years, we have made progress in addressing the inequalities of our past. We have expanded ownership and opportunities beyond a privileged few,” the President said.
He pointed to improvements in income levels and quality of life among many South Africans as evidence of this progress. However, he also made it clear that the work is far from finished. “This is not enough, there is still much more that needs to be done to ensure that all South Africans can share in the country’s wealth,” he said.
Service delivery issues
The President did not shy away from addressing the challenges facing the country. He spoke about failing water infrastructure, struggling municipalities and poor service delivery, saying these are serious issues that affect people’s daily lives and limit economic growth.
“These are not just inconveniences; they impact how people live and how businesses operate. When projects are not completed, communities are left behind. The corruption and mismanagement at the local government level cannot be allowed to continue; those who have misused public resources will be held accountable,” warned Ramaphosa.
“We will not rest until those who have weakened our institutions for their own benefit are brought to justice,” he said.
Ramaphosa spoke about efforts to strengthen local government and said that improving municipalities is key to delivering better services and restoring public trust. “We are working to transform municipalities so that they are more efficient, better managed and responsive to the needs of our people,” said Ramaphosa.
Freedom Day meaning
As he reflected on the meaning of Freedom Day, he reminded South Africans that political freedom was only the beginning and that the country must now focus on achieving economic freedom and social justice. “Freedom Day reminds us that our journey did not end in 1994; it was the start of a longer journey to build a fair and equal society. Let all South Africans work together to complete this journey, urging unity, courage and commitment.
“Let us continue to work together, sparing no effort to build a country where everyone can live with dignity and opportunity,” Ramaphosa said.
The President emphasised that South Africa’s future depends on remembering the past and learning from it. He said the Constitution remains the foundation that unites the nation and guides its progress.
“Our future will be built by acting with courage on what we have learned; we are united by one Constitution and a shared responsibility to each other. Freedom belongs to all South Africans, regardless of political affiliation or generation. The freedom we celebrate today belongs to all of us, it belongs to those who came before us, to those who live today and to those who will come after us,” said Ramaphosa.
He called on citizens to protect and uphold this freedom, and to live in a way that honours the sacrifices of the past. As South Africans reflect on the progress made since the end of apartheid, the President urged them to remain committed to building a better future.
“The freedom we enjoy today was not given to us; it was fought for and secured by our people and our Constitution. Let us be worthy of that freedom, deepen it, defend it and ensure that every South African feels it every day,” said Ramaphosa – @NewsSA_Online
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