Issued by: The Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
Every year on 27 April, South Africans celebrate Freedom Day festivities will be held this year in each of the nine provinces under the common national theme of 'Unity, Peace and Prosperity.
It has become tradition that each province is given the opportunity to host the national celebrations. This national holiday provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of South Africa. This year all provinces will highlight the artistic and cultural heritage of their particular region while the focus will fall on the Eastern Cape where the President will officiate as guest of honour.
President Mandela will make an address from the Independence Stadium in Umtata. He will be joined in the celebrations by Cabinet Ministers. Provincial Government leaders and a range of other dignitaries. The President is also expected to present the Presidential Award for Community Initiative to the winner of the nine provincial nominees.
A programme of cultural festivities has been organised at Independence Stadium in Umtata to which the public is invited. The festivities will commence with a cultural parade around the field inside the stadium and several musical and dance items unique to the Eastern Cape will be rendered. As it has become tradition, there will also be a flypass by SANDF helicopters.
This year's celebrations will be unique in the sense that the SANDF, in celebrating its fifth anniversary, will play a very prominent role in the celebrations. The celebrations will therefore consist of a military part, where the President will officiate at a parade in Nelson Mandela Drive, and a cultural part to be held in Independence Stadium. The President will deliver the keynote address, which will be followed by a programme of cultural performances.
For more information on this year's Freedom Day celebrations please contact Frans Basson (021) 45-4850/70 and 082 772-2461 or Mack Lewele (012) 337-8173 and 083 447-6020.