“The UDF represented South Africa’s struggle against colonialism and apartheid, to create a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society,” said President Thabo Mbeki.
The UDF was founded by the liberation movement at a critical juncture in South Africa’s history, where many had been banned.
“A people’s front was born, bringing together organisations of women, youth, communities, workers, professionals, religious communities, anti-conscription campaigners and others – across class, colour, regional and other divides which apartheid sought to exploit to its advantage,” said the President.
“And so, in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the UDF today, we are paying tribute to the mass of South Africans for a defining moment in the history of our struggle, and for living in struggle the totality of ideals that inform freedom.
“Indeed, the very values and principles that the UDF represented remain the unshakeable beliefs of our people, the principles underpinning our system of governance, and the spur towards the society we seek to build,” Mbeki continued. The President also paid tribute to late activists who helped ease South Africa into a democracy.
“The tide has turned; and steadily but surely, a better life is becoming a reality,” he concluded.
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