"Freedom celebrations set to bring great moments in SA"

The year 2004 is set to leave indelible memories in South Africa as celebrations marking the ten years of freedom and democracy have began taking shape in what promises to be the country's most remarkable political get-together.

 

A lot has changed in the country since the first democratic elections of April 27 1994 that symbolised the death of apartheid.

 

Dr Essop Pahad, the Minister in the Presidency says Cabinet agreed to use all national days this year and link those events to the 10 years of freedom and democracy celebrations focusing not only on success but also forward looking at making South Africa a better country.

 

It is comparatively difficult to find any country worldwide that was once plagued by political conflict, tension and racial discrimination and segregation that has, or once had, over just one decade made so much strides in repairing itself.

 

A classic celebration set for this year would be the inauguration of the country's third democratically elected president on April 27, the exact day democracy was born in South Africa.

 

It will be a glittering ceremony involving over 6 000 guest among them heads of states, international icons, diplomats and statesmen as well as an estimated crowd of at least 40 000 people all gathered at the Union Building in Pretoria.

 

The event will be punctuated by the traditional military salutes, a massive music concert and a gala-diner featuring the country's top musicians drawn from all musical genres sharing the stage with fellow international singers.

 

"There will also be about 100 big television screens mounted around the country and in [the 47 Government built] Multi-Purpose Community Centres in rural and urban areas," says Dr Pahad in an interview with BuaNews in Pretoria.

 

The evening concert is planned for a live broadcast on television to ensure the moment is not just felt by those rubbing shoulders with guest at the Union Building but also an ordinary citizen in the periphery of South Africa.

 

But what the other things set for marking the decade entail. On Monday, March 8, the first phase of the Freedom Park, the Garden of Remembrance or Isivivane was officially handed over to the current President of South Africa who will in turn hand it over to the nation on April 27.

 

The Freedom Park is gigantic project seeking to put together all facets of the South African conflicts including the struggle for freedom and colonial wars to symbolise the common history of all South Africans.

 

"We need, and must have, a national symbol that articulates all aspects of our history from the beginning, but more importantly to reflect the different elements of our struggle in South Africa and the different conflicts," says Dr Pahad.  

 

"It [the Freedom Park] will be both an educational and spiritual experience and a most valuable symbol of expression of what went on in this country before," he says.

 

There is consensus that most of the changes brought by democracy and freedom were so significant and have improved the lives of many South Africans, repaired race relations and put the country in better economic and international standing.

 

There is also an agreement that a lot of challenges still lie ahead for the democratic government to tackle in order to ensure that the promised "better life for all" becomes a reality of every South African.

 

Dr Pahad agrees to the challenges but hopes it is such determination to resolve internal problems and tackle challenges that will keep the country on the right path to prosperity.

 

"Part of the challenges would be to complete all these things and make the country a favourite tourists destination. [That will ensure] a lot of jobs are created in that service sector. The more tourists you attract the more jobs are created," says the minister.

 

Although government knows for a fact it is not in its hands to manipulate economic factors to create jobs, it is however determined to intervene in other ways to save the situation and improve people's quality of life, says Dr Pahad.

 

Its job creation plan includes expanding public works programmes, bring more people into the job market either formal or informal and continue providing the basic services like education and social grants.

 

With all the challenges in sight, Dr Pahad is optimistic and encouraged by the enthusiasm among South Africans.

 

"There is great joy and happiness among people for the freedom and the changes it brought; there is hope for those who have not direct beneficiaries and there is no despondence. These are great feelings; they say there is great hope in South Africa.

Issued by: GCIS (Government Communication and Information System)- BuaNews