Let us defend our freedom, says Limpopo Premier

Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba says government has a mandate to continue defending the freedom at its proprietorship through job creations, building roads, clinics and giving hope and safety to residents following 32 years of democracy.

Dr. Ramathuba has on Monday, 27 April 2026, led the provincial Freedom Day Commemorations at Saselemani stadium in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District under the theme: Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship.”

Proceedings commenced on a high note on the day as Premier Ramathuba alongside MEC for Sport, Art and Culture Mr. Jerry Maseko, MEC for Health Ms. Dieketseng Mashego, Collins Chabane Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Shadrack Maluleke and Vhembe District Municipality Executive Mayor Freda Nkondo participated in a 5km walk from Xikundu village through Saselemani in an effort to promote active citizenry and a healthy lifestyle.

Prior to 1994, Apartheid divided people by race, denied the majority a voice, built development for a few while oppression for the majority (Black People) was at its peak and treated them as strangers in their own land.

On 27 April 1994, South Africa gave birth to a constitutional democracy which saw all citizens participate in deciding the government to take the country forward and enjoy the fruits of the labor of its struggle heroes and heroines such as Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikilzela-Mandela, Steve Biko, Charlotte Maxeke, Helen Joseph, Walter Sisulu, Albertina Sisulu, Chris Hani, Robert Sobukwe, Raymond Mhlaba, Ahmed Kethrada, Andrew Mlangeni, Govan Mbeki, Solomon Mahlangu amongst others.

That day was not only about voting. It was about dignity being restored to millions who had been denied for generations.

It was about opening the gates of citizenship to those who had been locked out by apartheid and saying, with one voice, South Africa is a Rainbow Nation.
Following 32 years of freedom, Dr. Ramathuba distinguished a democratic government as accountable compared to its apartheid predecessor.

“This democratic government, by contrast, does not take its people for granted. It listens. It answers. It is held accountable. It is required to serve all people, not a select few. That is the difference between tyranny and democracy, between domination and dignity, between exclusion and inclusion.” Said Dr. Ramathuba

She further alluded that despite the harsh realities the province face, Limpopo is not standing still as it is carving out its rightful place in the national economy.

Limpopo is increasing its contribution to Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and is amongst the top two provinces in reducing unemployment, however Dr. Ramathuba reckons that it does not mean the crisis is over.

“But it does mean that the tide is turning. We are changing economic fortunes by investing in sectors that matter: mining and beneficiation, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, manufacturing and skills development. We are bringing education closer to our learners and young people. We are reviving Lemana College. The TUT Campus in Giyani is now operational. The Sekhukhune Mining Beneficiation Academy is advancing well. The Central Academic Hospital is progressing well to help us reduce referrals to other provinces. These are not empty promises. These are investments in a future where our young people are not spectators in the economy, but active participants in it.” Premier Ramathuba added

As an accountable government, Dr. Ramathuba said the Limpopo Provincial Government is also mindful of the painful setbacks caused by natural disasters that devastated parts of our province in recent months.

Floods destroyed homes, roads and livelihoods while communities were displaced but government response has been clear: reconnect communities, rebuild roads, resettle affected families and monitor the wellbeing of those who remain displaced and these responses were unlikely before the democratic government reigned in 1994.

“We have not abandoned them. We have not forgotten them. We have stood with them, and we will continue to stand with them.” Premier Ramathuba concluded