Pretoria: South Africa's painful past and hard-won triumphs serve as a reminder that although much has been achieved, building a better life for all is still a work in progress. This was the message by President Cyril Ramaphosa as he led the launch of the Milestones of Freedom campaign at the Union Buildings on Thursday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the campaign is held under the theme: 'Honouring the Past. Delivering the Future', and is aimed at reflecting on South Africa's journey to freedom and the interventions the government has made to build a capable State. This year, several significant and defining milestones in South Africa's democratic journey are observed. These include the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprisings, the 70th anniversary of the anti-pass campaign spearheaded by South African women, and the 60th anniversary of the forced removals from District Six.
President Ramaphosa emphasized that these milestones should not be seen merely as artefacts of the past but as foundations for future progress. He acknowledged that while the government has made significant strides in fulfilling the promise of the Constitution, many South Africans continue to face challenges such as hunger, unemployment, and crime.
Despite these ongoing issues, the achievements since the end of apartheid are notable. Millions of South Africans now have access to electricity and clean water, and the government has built numerous homes, clinics, and schools. Social grants and free basic services have also improved the quality of life for many citizens.
For women and girl children, the government has opened many doors, allowing them to hold leadership positions and excel in education. The fight against gender-based violence and femicide remains a central focus of the national agenda. Additionally, significant progress has been made in making education accessible to more children and providing financial aid to open the doors of higher education to the children of workers and the poor.
Land rights have been a crucial area of focus, with efforts to return land to its original owners and redistribute white-owned agricultural land to black farmers. President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government's commitment to continue this work until land ownership reflects the needs and rights of all South Africans.
The government is also working towards building an inclusive economy, expanding education-to-employment pathways, fighting poverty, improving the health system, and confronting crime and corruption.
President Ramaphosa called on South Africans to embody the spirit of those who opposed apartheid and to engage in activism and service. He urged citizens to participate in the National Dialogue and contribute to conversations about the future of South Africa.
As the Milestones of Freedom campaign is launched, President Ramaphosa concluded by urging South Africans to build the nation envisioned by their forebears, united in diversity and equal in dignity.