In June this year, South Africa marked 70 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter on 26 June 1955 by the Congress of the people. On that day, brave patriots assembled in a multiracial convention in Kliptown and adopted a document that remains the cornerstone to the founding of our Constitution and democracy.
Most people begin their day by scrolling through their phones to catch up on news, or current affairs, or by listening to radio or tuning into TV. Being accurately informed on current affairs and updated on the world around us relies on the prerequisite of a free and independent media.
Media Freedom is one of the many rights upheld by the South African constitution. Our constitution declares: “Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom of the press and other media”.
On 29 May 2024, the voices of the people reigned supreme once more and their collective choice has paved the way for our transition from the 6th to 7th administration. In an era of global voter apathy, it is heartening that 16 291 516 South Africans voted in the year that we commemorate 30 years of freedom.
Every parent naturally wants the best for their child when it comes to education. This extends to the school their children attend or tertiary education later in life. Education develops children to be confident and independent. It encourages them to think, make important decisions and operate independently.
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The South African economy is today nearly triple the size it was when we embarked on our democratic journey. It is the result of 30 years of hard work and tough decisions taken amidst difficult challenges.
As we reflect over our 30 Years of Freedom, one of the many cherished freedoms we have is the freedom to speak without fear. This freedom of expression includes the freedom of the press and other media as well as the freedom to receive or impart information or ideas.
Millions of South Africans are eagerly awaiting the 29th of May 2024, the day we make our mark and have our say by casting our votes for our 7th democratic elections. Since the first democratic elections in 1994 our nation has had a proud history of elections that are free and fair, and reflect the will of the people.
Women are an integral part of communities and they are the foundation of society, therefore investing in them to accelerate progress is vital.
Just 30 years ago most women in South Africa were denied the right to vote and work. Many of the basic rights that we now take for granted were also denied to the majority of the people of this country. Many of the challenges faced by women prior to our democratic change in 1994, continue to impact women around the world today. Vast numbers of women have no voice or just simply continue to suffer in silence.
When President Cyril Ramaphosa recently proclaimed Wednesday, 29 May 2024 as the date for the General Elections, which also coincide with the country’s celebration of 30 Years of Freedom, he unleashed the race for various political parties, old and newbies, to scramble for votes.
Wednesday, 29 May 2024 marks the country’s seventh democratic election. To ensure that South Africans have sufficient time to make their way to the polls to have their vote counted President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a special public holiday.
