FREEDOM DAY: A REMINDER TO US ALL TO LEND A HAND
Written By: Saki Mokoena
United States of America ambassador to South Africa Leo Brent Bozell was given a sobering reminder of the hardships that our people went to, to attain the freedom that we enjoy today.
After being led to President Nelson Mandela’s cell by our struggle icon Tokyo Sexwale, and the grim reminder of what it took for the people of our country to unshackle themselves from the clutches of apartheid, Mr. Bozell had this to say: “…trying to fathom what it was like to be there for years, and years and years. And I can’t fathom that. If you weren’t there, you can't understand it, and I don’t pretend to understand it…”
Well he is correct, he can’t put himself in the shoes of Mandela, Sisulu, Mhlaba, Mbeki, Lekota and many of our struggle heroes. And neither can he understand what it was like for those brave men to be caged like animals for simply demanding equality in the land of their birth. As we commemorate Freedom Day, it is important to reflect on where we come from and what we have been able to achieve in a short period of time.
Apartheid truly was a monster.It took, or at least attempted to, strip our leaders of their dignity and if you dared stand up to it, those who presided over that evil system took your freedom and even your life.
Despite what certain apartheid apologists would have us believe, it (apartheid) was horrible and was correctly declared by the United Nations as a crime against humanity.
That is why, as the Free State Provincial Government under the able leadership of Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, we are doing everything in our power to bring back the dignity of our people. On a day as special as this one, I am happy that, with little resources, we have been able to provide shelter for our people.
I sleep peacefully and dare I say, I even snore, with the knowledge that Mme Moliehi Mofokeng from Bethlehem, Dihlabeng local municipality, has a house for her and her family. The same with NtateIthwa Radebe and many other beneficiaries who no longer have to suffer the indignity of staying in shacks and have beautiful houses thanks to the tireless efforts of this government.
I laugh at fear mongers like Ernst Roets and his band of backward thinking racist friends who traveled all over the world talking about a non-existent white genocide. It is unfortunate that Mr. Bozell’s boss fell for Roets’s lies line, hook and sinker. John Pierre, our white compatriot, lives in serene harmony with black people in Hillside View in Mangaung. It is not only Pierre, but plenty of white South Africans who reside in that area.
It is a sight to behold to see black and white children playing together without a worry. Given an opportunity, I would love to take Mr. Bozell to Hillside View to see Madiba’s dream of a Rainbow Nation coming alive. Freedom Day is a reminder of the many sacrifices that our people made to give birth to the South Africa we live in today.
It is worth reminding South Africans that ours was a struggle which claimed the lives of many of our people. We pay tribute to all those fallen soldiers and once again recommit our commitment to transforming our society, brick by brick. Given the scarcity of resources, it is not easy, but this is what some of us signed up for. We knew that it would not be easy. “Inzima le ndlela, inameva, iyahlaba” is our battle cry. Forward ever, backward never.
Saki Mokoena is a Member of the Executive Council responsible for Cooperate Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements in the Free State province.
If the South African dream had a signature theme song, it would undoubtedly be the opening notes of "Top Billing".
After a hiatus that left a void in the hearts of aspirational Mzansi, the blue-chip titan of lifestyle television is officially back. Premiering on Thursday, April 30, at 7pm on S3, the show isn’t just returning; it’s evolving.
This isn’t the old "Top Billing", even though the icons are present. The 2026 comeback is a strategic "masterclass in South African excellence", blending the nostalgia of the OGs with the high-octane energy of the TikTok generation.
It’s the inception of lifestyle TV: a dream within a dream, now accessible via your smartphone screen.
The show has assembled a "Justice League" of South African media. Returning to the fold are the architects of the brand: Dr Michael Mol, whose enduring charm remains a household staple, and the incomparable Basetsana Kumalo.
Seeing "Mama Basa" back on set is a full-circle moment for the nation; the 1994 Miss South Africa runner-up remains the gold standard of the "good life".
Joining these icons are fan favourites like Jonathan Boynton-Lee, the 2012 search winner and a national sweetheart, and the multi-talented Dr Fez Mkhize.
Adding to the mix is Ryle De Morny, affectionately dubbed "Nature Boy", whose athletic charisma, honed on Expresso, now takes centre stage in primetime.
The new season doesn’t stop at nostalgia; it invites fresh star power into the mix, with the stunning global trailblazer and Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi, taking the lead.
Her authority and elegance on set are being hailed as something transcendent, setting a new benchmark for the show. Accompanying her are Miss Universe South Africa 2023 Bryoni Govender and "Blood & Water" star Arno Greeff, whose presence ensures that the show resonates with every demographic of the South African zeitgeist.
However, the most pivotal addition is Sine Mpulu, the show’s first-ever dedicated social media presenter.
In an age where influence is the new currency, Mpulu is the bridge between the high-gloss television screen and the real-time hustle of Instagram and TikTok.
Behind the lens: Exclusive with Sinemivuyo Mpulu
Independent Media Lifestyle caught up with Mpulu ahead of the show’s premiere. For the creative professional, joining this legacy wasn't just a career move; it was a "pinch-me" validation of the highest order.
"It is a humbling honour to be recognised and seen," Mpulu said. This is the highest form of validation any creative can get. The integration of social media was such a good move... It's going to remind South Africans to dream again."
Perhaps the most evocative takeaway from the new season is the "beautiful sense of unity" among the cast. Mpulu describes a set where the transition between the "Old Guard" and the "New Breed" is entirely fluid.
"There is so much help and assistance to ensure everyone is at their level best. The energy you see on screens is definitely the energy on set. It’s everyone's guns out blazing, ready to ensure that by the time South Africa receives the show, it’s good enough."
Mpulu was particularly blown away by Tunzi. Despite this being a new frontier for the former Miss Universe, she stepped into the role with a seasoned pro's grace.
"I think she is truly a Miss Universe. The way she carries herself, the way she does her inserts... I was just blown away. The moment she started doing her thing, it felt like she'd been doing it for a long time and that she belonged. Her elegance and authority on set are subtle, yet something you truly learn from."
Mpulu revealed that despite the effortless glamour, the "behind-the-scenes" reality is one of gruelling commitment.
"People would be surprised that South African creatives go the extra mile to document stories that are for South Africans, about South Africans. Even Mam’Basetsana Kumalo is still going over her lines, practising and rehearsing. It shows the level of effort to tell these stories in a luxurious light."
Sine Mpulu (Sinemivuyo Mpulu) is a veteran in the South African voice-over industry, marking 10 years in the game in 2026.
Redefining luxury for a new generation
The gravity of the show's return lies in its shift toward inclusivity. Mpulu noted that the audience has evolved.
There are the "legacy fans" and the "new generation" who are discovering the brand for the first time. The goal is simple: to showcase luxury in all its forms, from the mansions of Clifton to the Kasi culture.
"Luxury has to be explored in all angles and avenues within South Africa," Mpulu explained. "Whether it's level one or level four luxury, it has to be brought closer to the people to help us have a different perspective of our country."
Mpulu, who is also a thought leader and industry change-maker, is using this platform to cement a legacy beyond the screen.
He is a staunch advocate of the arts, heading projects like the South African VoiceOver Awards on October 10 and the VoiceOver Factory. He will also be hosting a one-man masterclass in Johannesburg, to celebrate his 10th year as a voiceover artist, on 16 June.
This was originally posted by IOL
The failures which resulted in Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, having to withdraw the Draft South Africa Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for having fabricated sources in the reference list have been called embarrassing and damning.
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies had previously published the draft AI policy for public comments, with the closing date of mid-June 2026.
The draft policy proposed the formation of a new AI governance ecosystem, including a National AI Commission, an AI Ethics Board, an AI Regulatory Authority, an AI Ombudsperson, a National AI Safety Institute, and an AI Insurance Superfund designed to compensate individuals harmed by AI systems in cases where liability is unclear.
However, Malatsi was forced to withdraw the policy after it emerged that the integrity of the policy was compromised as it contained various fictitious sources in its reference list.
Once this news emerged, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, called out the minister on social media.
“With the integrity of the draft AI policy seriously called into question, here’s an alternative to counter-productive grandstanding. Withdraw it immediately so you don’t face further embarrassment and lose more credibility.
“Subject it to the rigorous review (without using ChatGPT this time) demanded of a national policy on the most transformative technology of the 21st century,” Sangoni-Diko said.
“Re-release for public comment once you have a product you can take full ownership of. Stop looking for a scapegoat (or should we say a scape-bot?)”
Sangoni-Diko was accused by Minister Dean Macpherson of grandstanding for her remarks: “Your post is the very definition of grandstanding.”
To which she replied, “Askies ma kubuhlungu. You DA Ministers, are the very epitome of populism, hence you would know. You are going to learn governance is not pap n vleis. It’s rough now. Instead of concerning yourself about my posts, circle the wagons and prepare your defence on how you are going to get your Minister out of this hot mess.”
Malatsi had also posted that he had asked the director-general to investigate and take action against anyone found to be responsible for any wrongdoing.
By Sunday afternoon, Malatsi said that they had initiated internal questions, which have now confirmed that the policy used fictitious sources.
“This failure is not a mere technical issue but has compromised the integrity and credibility of the draft policy. As such, I am withdrawing the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
“South Africans deserve better. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies did not deliver on the standard that is acceptable for an institution entrusted with the role to lead South Africa‘s digital policy environment,” Malatsi said.
“The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were included without proper verification. This should not have happened.
“In fact, this unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical. It’s a lesson we take with humility. I want to reassure the country that we are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves,” Malatsi said.
“There will be consequence management for those responsible for drafting and quality assurance.”
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has also shared their disbelief and anger over the matter, stating that a national policy of this magnitude does not simply appear overnight.
“It passes through officials, advisors, legal teams, senior management and ultimately lands on the minister's desk. The idea that not a single person, across this entire chain, identified fabricated references is not only embarrassing, it is damning,” the party said.
“It reveals a department asleep at the wheel and completely out of touch with the seriousness of its mandate. South Africans are being asked to believe that a department tasked with leading the country into the digital future cannot even verify its own sources. That is not a small oversight; it is a reckless disregard for credibility, professionalism and public trust,” the MKP said.
“Worse still, the minister's response attempts to soften the blow by blaming ‘AI-generated citations’ as if the problem is the tool and not the incompetence of those using it. Technology does not remove responsibility; it demands more of it.”
They added that a policy which should shape the future of artificial intelligence in the country has been reduced to a careless, copy-and-paste exercise.
“The MK Party rejects this outright. If this is the standard applied to critical policy development, then South Africans must ask, what else is slipping through unnoticed? What other decisions affecting our lives are built on shaky, unchecked foundations?
“The minister cannot simply withdraw the document and promise ‘consequence management’ as if this is a minor internal issue. This is a national embarrassment,” MKP said.
“It requires full transparency, clear accountability and decisive action. South Africa deserves a government that takes its work seriously, not one that experiments with half-baked policies and hopes no one notices.”
This article was originally posted by IOL
President Cyril Ramaphosa's Freedom Day address was briefly disrupted after he and the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, were ambushed by an intruder on stage on Monday, before security quickly intervened.
During his keynote address, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the South African government's ongoing commitment to combating corruption and organised crime, saying the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and other crime-fighting efforts have ensured that those responsible are held accountable.
He also used his Freedom Day address to reflect on the country's 32 years of democratic dispensation, saying that since 1994, when millions voted in the country’s first democratic elections, the country has ensured that transformation becomes a reality.
Reflecting on the momentous events of 1994—when millions cast their votes in the country's first democratic elections—Ramaphosa emphasised the ongoing journey toward transformation and the realisation of democratic ideals.
Ramaphosa further stated that the country's Constitution, widely regarded around the world as one of the most progressive, visionary, and influential constitutions ever adopted, is a powerful promise about freedom and stands as South Africa's collective shield.
"Dignity means that people must also be able to live free from the fear of violence and crime. To give greater effect to our freedom, we have dedicated greater resources and effort to tackling organised crime, gangsterism, gender-based violence, and other forms of violent crime. We are reforming and strengthening the criminal justice system," he said.
He stated that over the past 32 years, South Africa has witnessed monumental strides governed by the rule of law, fostered by an independent judiciary that safeguards the rights of all citizens, adding that significant advancements in access to housing, healthcare, education, water, and electricity have contributed to the realisation of the Constitution's transformative agenda.
Ramaphosa indicated that his administration's commitment to universal access to education symbolises a pivotal shift, with over nine million learners now benefiting from daily nutritional meals, reinforcing the government's dedication to its youth and future generation.
"In the 32 years of our democracy, we have been governed by the rule of law with an independent judiciary that serves as a guardian of the rights of all. We have expanded access to housing, to healthcare, to education, water, and electricity on an unprecedented scale. We have transformed our education system, which was used as a weapon to perpetuate oppression, making sure that universal access to education was denied to the majority of our people," he stated.
Meanwhile, IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa stated that while political freedom has been attained, many South Africans still face economic and social challenges, adding that instead of celebrating, the country should use the day to reflect and tackle pressing national issues.
The IFP observed its Freedom Day celebrations during a commemorative event in Westonaria in the Westrand on Monday.
"This is not an easy time for the country. We reflect on the difficulty of unemployment and the economy. We find ourselves in the crosshairs of instability in the Middle East, and the country is at the struggling point. What is important now is the interventions that need to arise to turn things around," he stated.
This article was originally posted by IOL
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to stand against xenophobia and uphold the law, warning that concerns over illegal migration must not turn into prejudice against fellow Africans.
This comes as South Africa faces a wave of attacks on foreigners in cities like Durban, Cape Town and East London, with Ghana and Nigeria raising official complaints over the attacks.
Speaking during his Freedom Day address at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Ramaphosa explained his tance to South Africans.
"We did not walk alone into freedom. We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of Africa, among many others," Ramaphosa said.
"These countries opened their borders to our liberation fighters. They shared their bread and their homes. They spoke for us when we could not speak for ourselves. The leaders and people of Africa kept our struggle alive."
He added that "it cannot be, and it must never be, that we trample into the dust the African fellowship that made our freedom possible.
"We are a people who live the value of ubuntu. We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans.
"We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia, directed towards people from other African countries or other any parts of the world. Instead, we must insist that the law be upheld and enforced.
Ramaphosa said the government was working around the clock to address the issue of illegal migration and to tackle corruption in the system.
"That is why we are clamping down on illegal migration and on businesses that flout our laws by hiring undocumented persons at the expense of our citizens.
"We are actively rooting out corruption in our immigration system. We will not allow people to take the law into their own hands. We extend hospitality to those who are guests in our country, with the expectation that generosity is honoured with respect for our society and its laws.
"As a nation that defeated colonialism and apartheid through international solidarity, we carry a responsibility to advance constitutional values beyond our borders."
This article was originally posted by IOL
South Africa’s High Commission in India recently hosted a high-profile diplomatic event, attended by over 400 government, business, and diplomatic figures, to celebrate South Africa’s 32nd Freedom Day and the 30th anniversary of its Constitution. The event reaffirmed the strong partnership between the two nations, notably by honouring individuals who have strengthened South Africa’s international ties.
Major businesses were present, many sponsoring the event, which was also used to showcase South African products, like wines and fruits.
India’s Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Indian government, while South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the South African government.
The celebration began with the Bluebells School International band playing the South African and Indian national anthems, “Shosholoza”, two other isiZulu songs, and one English song.
SA-India relations
“Freedom Day is an important celebration for us, and to see the passion with which the Indians still relate to South Africa was a wonderful reminder of the strong partnership and friendship we enjoy not just with the government but across the spectrum of Indian society,” Sooklal said.
“For us, this celebration is also to thank our partners here in India with regard to the support we received during our struggle days and also to reaffirm the strong partnership we enjoy not just with the Indian government but the cross-section of Indian society, as was demonstrated by the high turnout.”
Honorary consul of SA in Nepal, Pradeep Shresta, being felicitated by High Commissioner Professor Anil Sooklal.
“We honoured our honorary consuls from Bangladesh (Solaiman Alam Seth) and Nepal (Pradeep Shresta), who have served South Africa for a number of years,” Sooklal said.
“We had a plaque, with our national emblem and wording showing appreciation, and Minister (Ronald) Lamola had issued a letter of appreciation for the services they provide as honorary consuls to South Africa. That letter was framed and presented to them.”
Dr Shashi Tharoor, Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs chair and former deputy secretary general of the United Nations, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, and his wife, Dr Nelistra Sooklal Singh.
Sooklal said that Vikramjit Singh Sahney, who served for about 15 years but left after joining the Indian parliament, also received a plaque for the time he served South Africa as honorary consul for North India.
Also receiving a plaque was former Minister of Commerce in India, Dr Anand Sharma, who was at the forefront of leading the anti-apartheid struggle during the days of apartheid in India, Sooklal said.
“We also thought it was right for us to recognise the contribution he made in supporting our freedom,” Sooklal said.
Former SA cricketer Jonty Rhodes, Dr Nelistra Sooklal Singh, and High Commissioner Professor Anil Sooklal.
Sooklal said former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes was a special guest, who also received a plaque.
“We also presented him with a plaque in appreciation for the role he played in strengthening relations between our two countries,” Sooklal said.
As part of South Africa’s Constitution’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, a painting was commissioned from local artist Aashima Malhotra, with Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi.
“My wife and I thought it would be very appropriate to have in one frame the three most iconic figures of recent times who symbolise peace, human rights, fundamental freedom, and global cooperation,” Sooklal said.
“We thought it was appropriate given the values of our Constitution, and the message these three global icons left for humanity, which is so relevant today, given all the wars that we are experiencing and the global challenges; we draw inspiration from these three figures. Both Mandela and Martin Luther King were influenced by Gandhi’s non-violent philosophy, and Mandela also drew on Martin Luther King’s civil rights movement struggle.”
Sooklal reported a high turnout of African and other regional ambassadors.
“Interestingly, the ambassador of the USA attended and the ambassador of Iran. Someone commented that it is only South Africa that would be able to have one under the same roof, the USA ambassador and the ambassador of Iran, given the current global tensions between these countries,” Sooklal said.
“I think it’s also symbolic of the moral standing of South Africa and our ability to be friends with everyone in the world. It was also significant that during this time of difficulties, we had diplomatic representation from across the world.”
This article was originally posted by IOL
