Media release

Government and LeadSA launch Freedom Fridays

19 September 2013

19 Sep 2013

Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile will launch Freedom Friday to mark the lead up to South Africa celebrating 20 years of freedom and democracy in Soweto.

Government in conjunction with LeadSA encourage all citizens to use every Friday from 20 September until the end of December 2014 to celebrate the milestones of the country’s freedom.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of GCIS, Phumla Williams says, “The main aim of Freedom Fridays is to mobilise collective ownership of our 20 Years of Democracy by all sectors of society; promote social cohesion and a national identity that is representative of our rich and diverse culture”.

Freedom Friday is a call on the nation to wear anything that expresses their pride in being South African on Fridays. They can wear anything from a jersey of a favourite football or rugby team to traditional wear to show their unity in celebrating this important landmark in our country’s history.

All South Africans have good reason to celebrate the benefits attained through freedom; the nation must feel proud of its achievements and work for further reconstruction and development into the next decade.

Freedom Fridays can also be used as an opportunity to look back at our contribution to the struggle for democracy. Citizens, corporates, faith based organization, civil society and labour can be active participants and partner in the promotion of achievements of the country since 1994. Parents and educators can educate children and youth on the struggles undertaken to achieve democracy and freedom for all South Africans.

Government also encourages people to tell their stories using poetry, music, drama and art, as well as participate in the activities and dialogues on the 20 Years of Freedom and Democracy campaign.

For more information on the 20 Years of Freedom and Democracy visit https://www.gov.za/issues/20years/index.html  

Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell:083 501 0139

Issued by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

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