I attended the launch of the 2014 “20 year freedom countdown” in Pretoria today.
I am a “social cohesion ambassador”. Scores of veterans of the struggle, business leaders and influential South Africans attended the launch, hosted by Arts and Culture Minister, Paul Mashatile.
The 20 year celebration is important. It’s not about whether your Black or White, rich or poor, male or female, ANC, DA or any other political party…It’s about our country.
While we celebrate, let’s not forget to hold government accountable. We have serious “challenges” in SA including crime, poverty, unemployment and poor service delivery.
I argued this in my address today.
Much has been achieved over the past 19 years and much still needs to be done.
Let’s get national pride back. Let’s bring back the 2010 World Cup vibe. Let’s start flying the flag.
Let’s create a culture of volunteerism in our communities. Let’s celebrate our heroes and heroins. Let’s talk. Let’s hear all the stories.
Let’s mobilise civil society. Let’s mobilise all sectors of society.
20 years of freedom is not about our government. It’s about us, the citizens.
Let’s do our bit and celebrate our freedom. The countdown is underway.
Let’s all Lead SA and do our bit to celebrate SA.
We had “Football Friday, Springboks Friday, Proteas Friday,” etc. How about “Freedom Friday” as we countdown to 27 April 2014. Let’s wear our SA colours with pride. Let’s celebrate what makes us South African.
1994-2014…freedom!