The Northern Cape Provincial Government will be out in full force to fast track the delivery of basic services to communities. This as various Departments will be rolling out service delivery programmes during the 2013 Freedom Month. The activities come as build up towards the Freedom Day celebrations which will be held in all five Districts on Saturday, 27 April 2013. The day will be celebrated under the theme “Mobilising society towards consolidating our democracy and freedom”.
The build up programmes will see Northern Cape Government Departments entrenching their visibilities in all five Districts of the province. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will strengthen its nation building and social cohesion mandate through hosting of skateboarding activities and other sporting activities in Namakwa and other Districts. The Department will also inculcate a culture of reading by taking part on the World Book Day on Tuesday, 23 April 2013. Working together with other sector Departments, the Department will also be handing out food parcels and school uniform to the needy families across the province.
The Department of Roads and Public Works will be patching portholes at identified areas in all the Districts of the province. The Department will also be rolling out the two-point-five million rand Green Point Storm Water Project. The Department of Health will conduct tests on various ailments while members of the public are also encouraged to take advantage of services from the South African Social Security Agency, SASSA, Department of Home Affairs and other departments which will be on site during the build up programmes and Freedom Day. School children from across the province will be taught of National Symbols and hoisting the National flag through the flag hoisting ceremony to be held at all schools on the eve of the event.
The Freedom Day build up programmes and the main events will be led by various political leaders. The MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Norman Shushu will lead the Frances Baard programme, while the MEC for Social Development Alvin Botes will be deployed to the Pixley ka Seme District. The Namakwa District programme will be led by the MEC for Roads and Public Works David Rooi while the MEC for Environmental Affairs and Nature Conservation Sylvia Lucas will be deployed to Siyanda District. MEC Kenny Mmoiemang from the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs will be in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
Editor’s Notes:
Freedom Day is a day that represents peace, unity, and the restoration of human dignity of all South Africans. It is a reminder of the countless sacrifices made by our countrymen; and a chance to ensure that no one will ever take our hard won freedom for granted.
South Africa has taken many strides away from its past of exclusion and discrimination on the basis of sex, colour and creed. The country has been steadily moving forward in a direction that reasserts our humanity. In this march towards humanity, a new culture of human rights and a respect for the dignity of the human spirit have become characteristics of South Africa.
One of the symbolic moments of the exodus from the past was the raising of the new flag in 1994. This moment aptly affirmed the pride and dignity of an unfolding country and a celebration of humanity. Another was the unveiling of a new Coat of Arms on 27 April 2000 that embraced the collective historical essence of the people of the country. In so doing, a new aesthetic that takes consideration of Africa and her symbols became part of the new culture that informs a South African rebirth.
The 2013 celebrations for Freedom Day and Month take on special significance as the nation prepares for our 20 years of freedom commemoration and celebrations.
We are indeed a country that is better off since our democratic elections. During this month, South Africans must be afforded an opportunity to recall the momentous events leading up to 27 April 1994 and reflect on the next 20 years; and the kind of South Africa we want to have in 2030. Every sector of society is likely to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that the nation has faced over the past 20 years.
For those passionate debaters who constantly contemplate the state of our country, the release of the 2011 Census offers some unbiased answers about our progress since democracy.
The results of the Census 2011 paint the picture of a country that has an increase in income levels, an improvement in the roll-out of basic services and amenities, and a rise in education levels.
Compared to before 1994 we can now proudly exclaim that millions of people now have water, electricity, sanitation and housing, however many more are still waiting for these basic services.
This is a time to reflect on the strides we have made in achieving the vision of a better life for all. Undoubtedly much has changed since 1994 and there has been progress in every sphere of society, but we are aware that more must still be done.
Looking back on our past and the strides we have made we must also remain mindful of the path to our future. The National Development Plan (NDP) is our future roadmap; the plan outlines the type of society we are striving for in 2030, where no one is hungry, where everyone is able to go to school and further their studies if they wish, where work is available, where everyone is making a contribution because each person have been provided with what they need to live their full potential.
However, Government alone cannot build such a society. The involvement of all South Africans is critical to ensuring the successful implementation of the NDP. Citizens must know their rights and responsibilities and actively participate in building this country. Leadership throughout society from communities, schools, businesses and across the three spheres of government must drive the change to realise Vision 2030. In visibly communicating on the capability of the state it is important to highlight delivery on commitments against each of the five priority areas, in showing that the lives of South Africans are improving.
Issued by: Morapedi Sekhoane
Manager: Communications and Special Programmes
Northern Cape Sport, Arts and Culture Department
Tell: 053 807 4648
Cell: 078 944 0200