Freedom flame celebrations

THE City of uMhlathuze was abuzz on Tuesday when the ‘Freedom Flame Celebrations’ of the country’s 20 years of freedom and democracy visited Richards Bay and surrounding areas.

Led by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Senzo Mchunu, members of the Cabinet, district Mayors and leaders from various communities made their way to towns and townships in Zululand on Tuesday, ending the celebrations with a grand gala dinner at The Richards Hotel.

The major symbol of these celebrations is the 20 Years of Freedom Flame. The Freedom Flame is currently travelling across 11 districts in the province symbolising light prevailing over darkness.

These celebrations are also aimed at paying tribute to Tata Mandela and all the heroes, heroines and brave compatriots who actively engaged in the struggle against oppression and colonialism.

Speaking at the gala dinner, Premier Mchunu said, ‘Despite Nelson Mandela’s life imprisonment at Robben Island, he became a symbol of our fight against apartheid and an embodiment of the resilience of our people in their quest for justice.

‘His dedication towards the creation of a non-racial and non-sexist society, where there is equal development, resonated across the length and breadth of this province and inspired many generations of all races to participate in the fight against racial oppression and discrimination.’

Mchunu said Mandela understood the suffering and the plight of the people of KZN during apartheid, and would often travel to the former ‘Natal’ to meet with ordinary community members, political activists and leaders of the ANC.

‘Madiba went to a shop in Richards Bay to buy a cap during a campaign in the area and people flocked to witness the sight of such a great man in their presence, he was a true messiah.’

Premier Mchunu urged Zululanders to hold each other’s hands and embrace this freedom, reconciliation, acceptance and respect for all communities.

‘We need to emphasise these celebrations belong to all South Africans, irrespective of their political affiliation, race, colour, creed, sexual orientation, religion or cultural origin.

‘It therefore becomes the duty of all South Africans, no matter what their political and economic backgrounds are, to work together towards a common objective – that of nation building. We all need to take ownership of our freedom and fight for our common destiny,’ said Mchunu.