Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said it is necessary to consider how crime jeopardises the rights and freedom of Gauteng people as South Africa commemorates 29 years of independence.
“We appreciate the reality that our freedom, social cohesion, and nation-building are at risk without safety and security.”
Freedom Day festivities for this year were held at Ekurhuleni at Huntersfield Stadium, Katlehong, with the slogan “Celebrating, our democracy, advancing efforts to a safe and secure Gauteng.”
In his remarks during this year’s festivities, Lesufi stated that the government is committed to making Gauteng a province free from crime and violence.
“We want companies to thrive in the communities around our hostels, informal settlements, and townships. We want schoolchildren whose futures are not jeopardised by moral transgressions.
The success of Growing Gauteng Together 2030 depends on secure neighbourhoods and infrastructure spending.
Lesufi argued that for people to enjoy freedom, neighbourhoods and schools must be taken back.
He issued a warning to anyone selling drugs, claiming that law enforcement will find them. The Gauteng Anti Substance Abuse programme offers three months of free rehabilitation to all children who require it.
Additionally, he urged the public to acknowledge the truth that drugs have ruined our children, stressing his commitment to fighting this scourge in our neighbourhoods.
“To our students, as we commemorate this Freedom Day, I’m happy to announce that you will receive free Wi-Fi so you can study at your leisure, and we’ve committed to converting all of our classrooms into the classrooms of the future.
“We must do everything possible to protect our freedom. We solemnly swear that we shall safeguard our constitutional democracy and commemorate the legacy of our martyrs by making sure that our people are not exposed to any dangers to their freedom.
Freedom Day, according to Lesufi, must be commemorated because it ushers in a new era of optimism following a period of racialized colonial and apartheid tyranny that stripped most people of their fundamental humanity.
“We may have restrictions and difficulties, but this day cannot be removed from this nation’s calendar. We regained our humanity and dignity on that day.
“I was happy to see both the young and the elderly participating in this festivity. We must observe the day not just for ourselves but also for future generations, he continued.
Sivuyile Ngodwana, the mayor of Ekurhuleni, reiterated Lesufi’s concerns in his speech. He claimed that it cost many of our lives to achieve the democracy that South Africa enjoys today.
“We are celebrating 29 years today, but a heavy price was paid. Although significant progress has been made, much more needs to be done. We should actively build on our accomplishments and strive for the common good.
He also paid homage to Chris Hani, a stalwart who fought for the freedom we now take for granted.
Lumka Nkonki, the councillor for Ward 51, requested access to the stadium so that the neighbourhood could address societal problems including drug use and young pregnancies and keep kids off the streets.
The stadium offered a wide range of services. Home Affairs, the Gauteng Departments of Health, Social Development, and Sport, the Wits RHI, and the Alok Youth Centre were some of these.
