Issued by: Department of Arts Culture / Science and Technology
16 April 1997
On April 27 every year, on Freedom Day. South Africans celebrate the anniversary of the first democratic elections. Freedom Day celebrations are being held this year in each of the nine provinces under a common, national theme, "Unity, Peace and Prosperity". This theme not only reflects South Africa's new found political freedom, but also encompasses the historic adoption of our new constitution. Furthermore, the theme, "Unity, Peace and Prosperity" is a call to South Africans to join hands to achieve a peaceful society and prosperous economy.
Following a cabinet decision that each province, on a rotating basis, be given the opportunity to host national Freedom Day celebrations. President Nelson Mandela has chosen to make his state-of-the-nation address from Upington in the Northern Cape. The President will be joined by Cabinet Ministers as well as provincial government leaders.
This day will be commemorated through the celebration of the rich diversity of South Africa's arts and culture. It is through artistic expression that we celebrate who we are and learn about one another's cultures. It is also through the arts - music, theatre, dance and literature - that we celebrate the political concepts of freedom and democracy, and reaffirm our commitment to these principles.
Freedom Day 1997 will be an opportunity for South Africans to focus on a province about which most of us have very little knowledge. The ceremony at Upington will showcase a range of cultures specific to the region, from the !Xu and Khwe rain dancers to the "donkiekarretjie mense". As the donkey is an important animal in this province, the President will enter the stadium in Upington in a donkey-drawn cart. He will be followed by the Premier of the Province who will be on camel-back.
For the last two years we have celebrated Freedom Day in one national event. This event has been an attempt to unite South Africans by representing the widest possible range of our arts and culture in one place. This year all the provinces will be highlighting the arts, culture and heritage of their particular region. This, together with the national focus on the culture of the Northern Cape shows that we as South Africans are beginning to embrace the range of different cultural experiences that define this country.
South Africans will be able to experience the culture of the Northern Cape through the media and will be able to feel proud of an important part of their cultural heritage. It is this realisation - that our identities and histories are tied up with one another's - that will bind us in a unity that will ensure this country's prosperity.
For further enquiries, please contact Andile Xaba on (012) 314-6313.