Intruder disrupts Ramaphosa's Freedom Day address as he vows to combat corruption and crime
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated the government's pledge to tackle corruption and crime, celebrating the strides made since 1994 while affirming a commitment to the ideals of freedom and dignity for all citizens.
Image: GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa's Freedom Day address was momentarily interrupted when an intruder ambushed him and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, on stage, prompting a swift security response.
In his keynote speech, Ramaphosa reiterated the government's commitment to fighting corruption and organised crime, highlighting the accountability achieved through the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and other initiatives.
Ramaphosa spoke at the Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Free State.
He also used his Freedom Day address to reflect on the country's 32 years of democratic dispensation, saying that since 1994, when millions voted in the country’s first democratic elections, the country has ensured that transformation becomes a reality.
Reflecting on the momentous events of 1994—when millions cast their votes in the country's first democratic elections—Ramaphosa spoke about the importance of the ongoing journey toward transformation and the realisation of democratic ideals.
Ramaphosa further stated that the country's Constitution, widely regarded around the world as one of the most progressive, visionary, and influential constitutions ever adopted, was a powerful promise of freedom and stood as South Africa's collective shield.
"Dignity means that people must also be able to live free from the fear of violence and crime. To give greater effect to our freedom, we have dedicated greater resources and effort to tackling organised crime, gangsterism, gender-based violence, and other forms of violent crime. We are reforming and strengthening the criminal justice system," he said.
He stated that over the past 32 years South Africa witnessed monumental strides governed by the rule of law, fostered by an independent judiciary that safeguarded the rights of all citizens, and that significant advancements in access to housing, healthcare, education, water, and electricity contributed to the realisation of the Constitution's transformative agenda.
Ramaphosa indicated that his administration's commitment to universal access to education symbolises a pivotal shift, with over nine million learners now benefiting from daily nutritional meals, reinforcing the government's dedication to its youth and future generation.
"In the 32 years of our democracy, we have been governed by the rule of law with an independent judiciary that serves as a guardian of the rights of all. We have expanded access to housing, to healthcare, to education, water, and electricity on an unprecedented scale. We have transformed our education system, which was used as a weapon to perpetuate oppression, making sure that universal access to education was denied to the majority of our people," he stated.
Meanwhile, IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa stated that while political freedom has been attained, many South Africans still face economic and social challenges, adding that instead of celebrating, the country should use the day to reflect and tackle pressing national issues.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.