Media release

Government calls for unity to move South Africa forward

11 May 2014

11 May 2014

Government commends all South Africans for making the 2014 national and provincial elections a resounding success. The sight of millions of South Africans queuing to vote demonstrated a vibrant and maturing democracy. 

Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams said, “The elections have served to renew and strengthen our democracy.  We are pleased by the great turnout in particular first time voters. Statistics from the IEC show that more people than ever before have chosen to exercise their right to vote”. 

The remarkable turnout of young voters bodes well for the South African democracy. “We are inspired by the overwhelming number of young people who came out to vote across the country. This is a clear indication that the future of South Africa is in good hands”, Williams said.

Government applauds all the political parties for the spirit of national unity which prevailed during the elections. “During this time, government appeals to everyone to celebrate responsibly and within the law, “The future is now in our hands and we must all do our best to build a winning nation”, said Williams.

As the country begins to look forward to the next decade of freedom, South Africans should rightly be proud of what they have achieved in 20 Years of Freedom. As we move forward we need to inculcate the culture of activism and tolerance displayed during the elections period in the daily life of our country. Government recognises the facilitation role that was played by media and the public engagement through election debates and dialogue. This has assisted in mobilising and stimulated interest in the 2014 general elections.

The elections were hard fought and contested with remarkable political maturity and tolerance and now that the divisive political battles have come to an end, government calls on all South Africans to unite behind a common goal of moving the country forward in line with the Vision 2030 as mapped out in the National Development Plan.

Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139

Issued by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

Share this page
Similar categories to explore