THE Eastern Cape Premier, Phumulo Masualle, will commemorate 24 years of a democratic South Africa with the provincial members of the executive council (MECs) on Freedom Day.
The day will start with a 24 km Freedom Day race at the Walter Sisulu University Stadium, the venue of the event in Mthatha.
Department of sport, recreation, arts and culture spokesperson Andile Nduna said Freedom Day celebrations were an annual event in South Africa’s non-racial democratic dispensation.
Nduna shared why Freedom Day was significant. “It is significant because it marks the end of more than 300 years of colonialism, segregation and white minority rule and the establishment of a new democratic government and a new state subject to a new constitution.”
The ceremony will have the theme “Celebrating the centenaries of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu.”
He said this year was nationally dedicated to the two icons of the struggle who would have turned 100 this year.
“This race will start at 6.30 am and a 5 km race will commence at 7am. Before the programme of speeches, 24 South African flags will be hoisted as a symbol of unity, of honouring our constitution and a deep acknowledgement of all South Africans who paid through their blood for the democracy we now enjoy. Members of the media are welcome.”
