United colours of South Africa shine at Freedom Day celebration

Dubai: South Africans in UAE yesterday joined their compatriots around the world in celebrating Freedom Day.

Yesterday marked 12 years since South Africa's first all-race elections swept former anti-apartheid campaigner Nelson Mandela into power.

What has since become known as Freedom Day was celebrated in Dubai by members of the South African community at an event organised by the South African Business Council (Sabco) in collaboration with the South African Mission to the UAE.

"For South Africans, Freedom Day is so important because it reminds us of where we came from," South African Consul General Agnes Nyamande-Pitso told Gulf News.

"We have to remember not to forget the past, but also that, as a country, we must go forward and look towards a brighter future.

"It really is a very family-oriented day which brings together all South Africans. This is incredibly important because it is the young ones who will take over from us, and they should know and appreciate and love their country. They must know what it is to be South African."

Young and old

Over 1,500 people attended the event at the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC), representing some of South Africa's estimated 30,000-strong expatriate community in the UAE.

Young and old, black and white, joined in a number of activities, games for the children and competitions. An official event was also held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday at the Emirates Palace Hotel, hosted by the South African Embassy, which has held similar events since 1994.

Freedom Day is South Africa's national day, which replaced the former regime's Republic Day following the end of apartheid. The anniversary is traditionally marked by a national holiday in the country.