The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and Artscape collaborated to commemorate 20 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa on Freedom Day, 27 April 2014. The commemoration comprised a special performance at Artscape of the oratorio Credo, which celebrates the values of the Constitution. Invited guests were treated to an array of cultural performances which included traditional African dance, the Kaapse Klopse and, as a special highlight, wheelchair ballroom dance. This was an event where the various communities of the Western Cape came together to honour our nation’s path to freedom and democracy, and celebrate the values of the Constitution that unite us.
Special guests at the opening ceremony included former president of South Africa, FW de Klerk, Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s granddaughter Nonyaniso Burris, and Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer. During his address Mr De Klerk made reference to the role the arts played during the past years.
"Today we celebrate Freedom Day because of people who stood up for our democracy" said Dr Meyer as he honoured South Africa’s four Nobel Peace Prize laureates – Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk. Dr Meyer also spoke about how the national symbols represent South Africa’s democracy.
As a part of Freedom Day celebrations, DCAS is hosting a Mandela exhibition at the Artscape Theatre Complex which is open to the public until 25 May 2014.
Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: tania.colyn@westerncape.gov.za