The celebrations coincide with the centenary of the late President Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu, a heroine of the liberation struggle. South Africa also remembers the recent fallen outstanding figure of the liberation movement, a freedom fighter who fought ferociously against the apartheid regime and all kinds of injustice, Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

The theme for the 2018 Freedom Month celebrations is “The Year of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: “United for Radical Economic Transformation”. This month’s celebrations provide an opportunity for South Africans to work together and unite around a common agenda to build a united and prosperous South Africa as envisaged in the National Development Plan.

Freedom Month recognises and celebrates the strides South Africa has made since 1994. The majority of the people have increased access to a wide range of basic services. More opportunities have been created for the vast majority to participate in the economy. Although significant progress has been made, challenges still remain.

The celebrations also present an opportunity to reflect on the 22 years of the Constitution, to re-examine the challenges and consolidate the gains made thus far in transforming the South African society, especially the disadvantaged.

Freedom Month provides an opportunity to strengthen solidarity, tolerance and acceptance, national identity and promote social cohesion.
“Although we have one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, the country continues to witness racial hatred from those who are opposed to the social democratic project and the nation-building agenda in particular. We need to build from this universal law of our country to outlaw racism and its related bigotries,” said the Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa.

The National Freedom Day celebrations will be held on 27 April 2018 at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Rocklands, Bloemfontein. Government would like to encourage all South African to participate in the celebrations, including business, traditional leaders, organised labour, the religious fraternity and party political formations, among others.