President Jacob Zuma has termed April Freedom Month “celebrating the dawn of freedom and democracy and the achievements of all South Africans in moving away from hatred, divisions and a painful history to build a common future together”.
The first non-racial, democratic elections were held in South Africa on the 27th of April 1994; the date has since been recognised as a public holiday and was termed Freedom Day. The elections saw the end of over 300 years of colonialism and the beginning of a new democratic rule led by the father of our nation – President Nelson Mandela.
At the first anniversary of the elections, in 1995, President Mandela made the following powerful statement, “As dawn ushered in this day, the 27th of April 1995, few of us could suppress the welling of emotion, as we were reminded of the terrible past from which we come as a nation; the great possibilities that we now have; and the bright future that beckons us. Wherever South Africans are across the globe, our hearts beat as one, as we renew our common loyalty to our country and our commitment to its future. The birth of our South African nation has, like any other, passed through a long and often painful process. The ultimate goal of a better life has yet to be realised. On this day, you, the people, took your destiny into your own hands. You decided that nothing would prevent you from exercising your hard-won right to elect a government of your choice. Your patience, your discipline, your single-minded purposefulness have become a legend throughout the world…”
For 19 years our rainbow nation has been in the process of change, we have begun to understand our differences and appreciate that it is these very differences that give us reason to celebrate. We celebrate our 11 official languages, the guidance of our nation by world acclaimed leaders, our proud heritage and our beautiful country – and we celebrate this together, as one.
On the 27th of April, we will stand united to right the wrongs of the past and ensure a bright future ahead. The people of our beautiful Rainbow Nation will lead the way to overcome our challenges of poverty and crime and band together to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Matrix wishes all South Africans, wherever they might find themselves, a very happy Freedom Day. While you celebrate this April, rest assured that Matrix has your vehicle secured and your safety at the top of mind, giving you the freedom to simply enjoy.