By Akani Nkuna
Acting President Gwede Mantashe has praised the resilience and determination of the South African people, saying Freedom Day stands as a powerful reminder of the nation’s journey from division to democracy.
Mantashe was speaking at the national Freedom Day commemoration at AJ Swanepoel Stadium in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.
He stepped in as acting president after President Cyril Ramaphosa fell ill with flu.
“This day is to celebrate the unity of all South Africans,” said Mantashe.
“Many people believe that the freedom in 1994 only liberated black people, [however] it liberated one people from doing something that was immoral that is why apartheid was declared evil against humanity. In the system of the apartheid, both the oppressed and the oppressor were robbed of their humanity.”
Paying tribute to the nation’s resilience and commitment to reconciliation, Mantashe acknowledged South Africa’s global influence in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
He referenced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit on Thursday, affirming South Africa’s role through the African Peace Initiative amid international conflicts.
However, Mantashe cautioned against efforts to sow racial division and rewrite history.
“We reject any attempts to divide us along racial lines. Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu – we are because you are,” said Mantashe.
Acknowledging ongoing challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, Mantashe outlined governmental priorities for inclusive growth, job creation, and social justice.
He further stressed the importance of economic reforms and affirmed the government’s commitment to redress and reconciliation.
Mantashe also announced plans for an inclusive National Dialogue, inviting all sectors of society to shape South Africa’s future.
“This dialogue will be a people-led process, forging a new social compact towards Vision 2030,” he said.
Mantashe said the National Dialogue is a chance for all South Africans, from all walks of life, to come together and help shape the next chapter of democracy.
“The National Dialogue will bring together government, political parties, civil society, business, labour, traditional leaders, women, youth and community voices to find common ground and new solutions for our country,” said Mantashe.
“It is an opportunity to forge a new social compact that drives progress towards Vision 2030 and lays the foundation for the next phase of South Africa’s National Development Plan. The National Dialogue cannot be an event. It must be a participatory process that will unfold in phases, from local consultations and sectoral engagements to national gatherings.”
Meanwhile, the ANC marked Freedom Day by acknowledging the significant strides made over the past 31 years in improving the lives of South Africans, while also recognising persistent challenges.
Through progressive laws and policies, the ANC said it has worked to reverse apartheid’s legacy by promoting universal healthcare, land redistribution, and decent working conditions.
“Throughout this journey of reconstruction and development, we adopted progressive policies to elevate the people to the apex of development in a people-centred and people-driven manner,” said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
Bhengu-Motsiri pointed to achievements such as the expansion of electrification, the provision of housing, potable water, free education, and the construction of schools, clinics, hospitals, and roads.
She said these efforts give effect to the ANC’s strategic objectives of building a non-racial, non-sexist, united, and democratic South Africa based on freedom, equality and justice.
However, she warned that ongoing transformation efforts are being hampered by forces seeking to revive the oppressive practices of the past.
Bhengu-Motsiri reiterated that the ANC’s immediate responsibility is to unite, renew, and build a capable organisation committed to development and ethical leadership.
ANC Veterans League President Snuki Zikalala also reflected on the country’s progress, noting that while there have been achievements, the socio-economic rights outlined in the Freedom Charter, such as job security, housing, and land redistribution, have seen mixed results.
He said the government’s ability to fully deliver on these goals has been constrained by poor economic growth, an unfavourable global environment, governance weaknesses, particularly during the years of state capture, and insufficient capacity within government.
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