31 years of democracy and reflections

Marking 31 years of democracy and reflections, the Limpopo Provincial Government joined the rest of the country in celebrating Freedom Day. On 27 April 1994, a rainbow nation was realized through democratic elections which included all South African regardless of colour and gender.

Reflecting on the milestone, the provincial government executive, leaders of various organisations and Limpopo citizens gathered at Northam RDP sprots ground in a small mining town of Northam which is on the border of North West and Limpopo Province in the Waterberg District.

Celebrating under the theme “United in Resilience for the Defence of Our Freedom and Democracy” 27 April remains a very significant calendar day in the democracy and history of South Africa.

During her address, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba acknowledged challenges faced by the province after three decades of democracy.
“We must confront the reality that many challenges persist which includes unemployment, Gender Based Violence, crime and unequal access to basic service such as water and housing”.

Despite challenges experienced, the province has made significant progress with access to better roads, and health facilities. According to Statistics South Africa, access to basic service in the province has improved significantly with more households having electricity and access to formal housing.

Lesedi Mogorosi is a learner at Northam Comprehensive Secondary School, both her parents are unemployed and survive with a social grant. The family is one of the RDP house beneficiaries situated not far from Northam Sportsground where the event was held. She had expressed what Freedom Day meant to her and her family.

“I was born in 2011 and throughout my schooling journey, my parents have never paid school fees, I get food at school and whenever we travel to play netball and soccer we travel for free. This democracy means that people like me where meant to be cared for by government.

Although she enjoys the fruits ripped during the 27 April 1994 by her grandparents, Lesedi says her grandparents never got an opportunity to study like she does because such things were not meant for people of her family colour.

Part of the reflection that will continue to unite South Africans is sport, one of the things that brings people together in celebrations. In ensuring that, four local schools were given soccer equipment and apparels as an appreciation token for participating in School Sport Championships League. EC