Chairperson, hon Ministers and all protocol observed, today is an important day as we debate Freedom Day under the theme: Celebrating our shared pursuit of a united, democratic, nonracial and nonsexist South Africa.
Freedom Day is a reminder of the struggle for a free and just South Africa, which culminated in the first democratic elections, on 27 April 1994. On this day, South Africans of all races embarked on a new and common project to build their country, guided by the values enshrined in the interim Constitution and later in the Constitution adopted in 1996.
As we are preparing to commemorate Freedom Day next week on Tuesday, 27 April, firstly, we should not forget that Freedom Day marked the start of a democratic process in which South Africans came together to chart the way forward for their great country; secondly, we should not forget that as public representatives we have the responsibility to always remind South Africans about the importance of Freedom Day and what it means for our country and, thirdly, we should not forget that 16 years into our democracy, our country boasts of the many inroads it has made towards transforming our society.
As such, we must take pride in that, in line with our Constitution and political objectives, we have, firstly, established a new society that is based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights and secondly, laid a firm foundation for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and where every citizen is equally protected by law.
We have worked hard to improve the quality of life of millions of South Africans, and have built and continue to build a united and democratic South Africa that is able to take its rightful place in the family of nations. This is evidenced by our hosting of the Fifa World Cup, 40 days from now.
Freedom Day is a time for us to reflect on and celebrate the journey that we travelled to achieve our freedom and democracy. As we prepare to commemorate Freedom Day, we cannot help but remember all those who personified the sacrifices of our people in the fight for the realisation of our freedom.
Amongst the many recognised and unsung heroes and heroines, we recall the then president-general of the African National Congress, a Nobel Peace Laureate and a leader renowned for his immense contribution to the fight for nonracialism, and that is Nkosi Albert Luthuli. He defined the march to freedom, where there was no oppression of one race by another, as the most exacting and colossal one.
At the height of apartheid, he reminded peace-loving South Africans that the success of the struggle would only come if we face the threat of racism with indomitable courage and tenacity of purpose. We must build a formidable force of freedom lovers on the basis of a broad freedom front.
The colossal struggle for freedom that Nkosi Luthuli spoke about has given our country countless possibilities. Examples abound in the development of our communities, economic front and promotion of African solidarity and development.
The living conditions of many or previously marginalised South Africans have improved significantly, and democracy has become a defining picture of our political life. Government is working hard in ensuring access to free quality education for all. Quality health care services are being extended to benefit even the poorest of the people and, as we speak, the task of creating decent work and sustainable livelihoods for our people is one of the priorities of government.
As a result, in 2010, South Africa still needs a formidable force of freedom lovers, as Nkosi Luthuli said. The difference is that while the task at hand is still a colossal one, it has since shifted to improving the quality of our freedom.
In improving the quality of our freedom, we need, amongst other things, to work hard at facilitating better relations amongst the people of South Africa without regard to race, sex and language differences.
As President Jacob Zuma said when he took office last year, we cannot afford to be cynical about the changes that are facing our society. Rather, through our collective efforts, we must promote social cohesion and help engender a sense of patriotism.
In this regard, we would like to see Freedom Day being celebrated by young and old South Africans of all races and not just by the previously marginalised section of our population.
As we are preparing to commemorate Freedom Day in our provinces, next week, we must not forget to remind South Africans, young and old, about the debilitating injustices of the past, the real opportunities of today and the limitless possibilities of tomorrow.
Some of the people seated here will remember that there was a time when all of us used to sing the song, We shall overcome. To others' ears that was nonsense. But as the ANC, we've ensured that the sacrifices of the young and old, for the freedom of our people, are shared equally. And I say, never forget where you come from. Thank you. [Applause.]