ANC Freedom Day message

27 April 2009

In the words of African National Congress (ANC) President Jacob Zuma, the ANC's overwhelming victory in the 2009 Election is an "endorsement of our policies and programmes". "More than that it is victory for the country's Constitution, which we will always uphold, promote and defend. We reiterate that the Constitution is not under threat from the ANC. It has never been."

As we celebrate Freedom Day - 27 April 2009 – we should remember that out victory in the 2009 election is a victory for all the people of South Africa. It is a victory for democracy which some of us could not live to enjoy.

The ANC pays tribute to the many unsung heroes and heroines of our struggle for this freedom. We pay tribute to the likes of Solomon Mahlangu who declared on his way to the gallows that his blood "will nourish the tree of liberation". We pay tribute to Steve Biko, Siphiwe Mthimkhulu, Vuyisile Mini, Chris Hani, Tsietsi Mashinini, Peter Mokaba, Helen Joseph, Joe Slovo and countless of others who are no longer with us to enjoy democracy.

As we celebrate our fourth free and fair election, this day is also a moment to pay a fitting tribute to these heroes and heroines of our struggle. We are committed to effect drastic changes in the lives of all people by ensuring that we deliver on the key priority areas we have listed in the ANC Election Manifesto.

Freedm Day is also a day to pay tribute to the stalwarts of out struggle who include Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mabeki, Elias Motsoaledi, Wilton Mkwayi, Raymond Mhlaba and many others.

We urge all South Africans to work with the incoming ANC administration in realising the slogan: "Together we can do more."

Issued by:
African National Congress

Enquiries:
Brian Sokutu 071 671 6919