The dawn of democracy was commemorated today in Middelburg, with President Cyril Ramaphosa delivering his national address as Kees Taljaard Stadium with the Klein Olifants River whispering in the background.

The day started off chilly in the province of the rising sun. President Ramaphosa, however, warmed around 2 000 hearts upon his arrival, followed by a fly-through by the national air force and his address, centred around the theme of ‘Consolidating South Africa’s Democracy’, which highlighted our unity through diversity.

One of the issues highlighted was crime, which President Ramaphosa says is a national priority to fight – “You know who the drug dealers are, work with the police,” the president urged.

He lauded the country’s welfare and social justice systems, saying that 30 million ordinary South Africans are the recipients of social government grants every month, and that SA was the first country bolstering the rights of same-sex couples to marry, have children and inherit from their partners.

The president touched on a wide range of topics around constitutional protection for all.

While dignitaries hung on the president’s lips in the marquee tent, youngsters were engaged in traditional games like jukskei and dlala ‘nduku (Nguni stick fighting) outside.

Dignitaries could also try their hands at gold panning, while the health department offered Covid-19 jabs and an array of free tests including blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure tests.

Click hereto read His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s full speech in celebration of Freedom Day.