ANC STATEMENT ON FREEDOM DAY
The African National Congress marks with great pride the journey South Africa has traveled since 1994 on this the 22nd anniversary of the first democratic election held on this day, 27 April in 1994. We are equally confident of the future it heralds based on the foundation that has been laid in the first two decades of democratic governance.
This day that we have come to know as Freedom Day, marks a significant milestone in the protracted and ongoing struggle of the South African people for liberation, equality and economic justice. Since the ANC's establishment in 1912 to date, the mission has remained unchanged - uniting South Africans, blacks in general and Africans in particular towards the total eradication of racial oppression and exploitation of one group of people by another.
Over the past 22 years of a democratic South Africa, much has been done to realise this vision. Institutionalised and systematic racism has been dismantled. Robust systems and institutions have been established to promote, uphold and advance the ideals of a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, black and white.
The government of the people, led by the ANC, has over the last 22 years done much to restore the dignity of our people. Decent housing, sanitation, water and electricity are no longer the preserve of a few based on the colour of their skin.
We continue to push back the frontiers of poverty by providing a comprehensive social security net for the most vulnerable society. Many strides have been achieved to ensure that the doors of learning and culture are truly open to all South Africans with particular emphasis on the poorest of the poor. However, much more still remains to be done to realise total socio-economic emancipation for our people; characterised by elimination of poverty and the reduction of unemployment and inequality.
The people must govern! This calls upon all South Africans to play an active role in shaping our collective destiny. Through organs of people's power, such as Ward Committees, Community Policing Forums, and Schools Governing Bodies, amongst others, the masses of our people are called upon to continue to be their own liberators.
The 4th local government elections to be held on the 3rd of August 2016, provide yet another opportunity for us all to advance people's power in every community.
Today, as we celebrate the democratic breakthrough of 1994, let us do so in cognizant of the fact that it was and remains part of the journey not the destination in our ongoing struggle towards a South Africa that is truly united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous.
Statement issued by Zizi Kodwa, ANC national spokesperson, 27 April 2016
