Riaan Eksteen: Why Freedom Day is so important

Reflecting on South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy, Riaan Eksteen’s speech on Freedom Day celebrates our collective strides towards freedom, unity, and inclusion. From the legacy of Nelson Mandela to the ongoing challenges we face, let’s renew our commitment to a vibrant, democratic South Africa. Join me in honoring those who fought for our liberties and shaping a future of equality and prosperity.

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By Riaan Eksteen*

I am honored to address you on the eve of South Africa’s Freedom Day, reflecting on the state of freedom and pertinent issues in our nation. Speaking as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg, I bring insights not as a former ambassador but from an academic perspective.

Before discussing Freedom Day, it’s essential to understand apartheid—its policies, the societal impact, and its abolition. Apartheid, a system of racial segregation enforced through legislation, systematically disadvantaged non-white South Africans, controlling aspects of their daily lives from residency to employment and political participation. Prominent laws like the Group Areas Act and the Population Registration Act institutionalized these racial divides, profoundly shaping South Africa’s socio-political landscape.

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Nelson Mandela’s struggle against apartheid is universally recognized. His efforts, along with widespread domestic and international pressure, contributed to the eventual dismantling of apartheid policies. Key events like the Soweto Uprising and global movements calling for sanctions against South Africa catalyzed this change, culminating in the early 1990s with significant political shifts—most notably, the release of Mandela and the unbanning of liberation movements.

This leads us to the significance of Freedom Day—it marks the celebration of South Africa’s first post-apartheid, nonracial election on April 27, 1994. This day is not just a public holiday but a profound national symbol reflecting our journey towards a democratic society, recognizing the collective efforts towards political emancipation and restructuring.

Freedom Day offers a moment to reflect on our national identity and the values of democracy, human rights, and unity. It’s a day to celebrate the strides we have made as a nation while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges and the need for continued commitment to improving our democracy.

Addressing the lingering effects of apartheid requires more than commemoration; it demands active engagement in democratic processes and ensuring governance that uplifts the historically disadvantaged. It is about ensuring that all South Africans, especially the youth, feel included and empowered to shape their future.

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Moreover, on Freedom Day, we honor those who fought against apartheid and contributed to the establishment of a democratic South Africa. Figures like Albert John Luthuli and Nelson Mandela not only fought oppression but also laid down a vision for a just society, emphasizing the importance of non-violence and reconciliation in our national discourse.

As we celebrate, we must also remain vigilant against complacency in our democratic practices. Freedom is an ongoing effort, necessitating active participation, civic responsibility, and a commitment to uphold the rights enshrined in our Constitution. This involves continuous dialogue, reflection on our policies, and the readiness to address current and future challenges like inequality, poverty, and unemployment.

In conclusion, Freedom Day is more than a historical milestone; it is a day to renew our commitment to a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous South Africa. It is a day to reflect on what freedom means and how we can contribute to the legacy of those who paved the way for our present liberties. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today, and let us continue to strive for a better South Africa, inspired by the ideals of those who fought for our freedom.

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*RIAAN EKSTEEN  was  a  member  of  the  South  African  Foreign  Service for  27  years,  during  which  time  he  held  several  posts  in  various capacities  within  the  Foreign  Ministry.  From  1964-67  he  served  in the  Namibian  division,  participating in South Africa’s court case in the International Court of Justice in The Hague; he also successively held the positions of Head of the UN and Namibian divisions (1973-1976) and Head of Planning (1981–1983). In addition, from 1968-1973, he was stationed at the South African Embassy  in  Washington,  DC;  subsequently,  he  was Ambassador for 12 years at the U.N. New York (1976-1981); Namibia (1990-1991); U.N. Geneva  (1992-1995);  and  Turkey,  including  Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan,  Turkmenistan  and  Uzbekistan  (1995-1997).  The  assignment to  Turkey was done by Pres. Mandela. He is also a former  Director-General of  the  South  African  Broadcasting Corporation (1983-1988). He is the author of The Role of the Highest Courts of the United States of America and South Africa, and the European Court of Justice in Foreign Affairs and  was visiting  scholar  at  the  Tashkent  State  University of Law, Uzbekistan. He is a member of the South African Academy for Science and Arts  since June  2022.  His  memoirs,  Beyond Diplomacy, was published in October 2022.

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