World On Press
Ian Jindela
Thousands of South Africans gathered at the Union Buildings, Pretoria to mark the annual Freedom Day celebration. Freedom Day in South Africa is celebrated as a reminder of struggle for a free and just South Africa culminating in the first democratic elections held in 1994. It reflects and celebrates the journey that South Africans traveled and went through. President Jacob Zuma echoes the struggle and the freedom of the country in front of thousands of supporters on a cold Tuesday morning. “Freedom Day reminds us that we should all work hard to defend the freedom for which so many have fought and lost their lives. We must work together to build our country and shape its future. We must all work for unity, true reconciliation and cohesion.” President Jacob Zuma. Hosting the first FIFA World Cup on the Continent offers South Africa opportunity to share heritage, humanity and the beauty of its nature.
President Jacob Zuma honored citizens during National Orders Awards on Freedom Day. The National Orders are the highest awards that South Africa through the President bestows to the citizens and eminent foreign nationals. They are awarded in the spirit of the rebirth. The ceremony is to honor those men and women who for exceptional and outstanding contributions; these are recipients of the Order of Mendi for Bravery, Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Maphungubwe, the Order of Companions of O.R Tambo .
This year’s National Orders were awarded on Freedom Day at presidential guest house with 250 VIP’s. Amongst the guests were Deputy President- Kgalema Motlanthe, Ministers and deputy Ministers, The Chancellor of the National Orders and distinguished guests. The recipients included Jonas Gwangwa, Hugh Masekela, Winston Ntshona and Peki Emelia”Nothembi Mkhwebane for their contribution in the music industry.The Order of Grand Companions of OR Tambo the awards went to President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos of the Republic of Angola. He will receive the award later in the year. During the struggle Angola was a home to many South Africans. Angola has played a significant role in the history of South Africa. Another icon who is a friend of South Africa, Joseph Sepp Blatter will later this year during the FIFA Congress receive an Order of Companions of OR Tambo. This year’s Freedom Day was celebrated by South Africans and abroad in the spirit of togetherness.
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