The High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa to Mauritius, Dr Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, hosted a reception, on Monday at the Municipal Council of Curepipe’s Town Hall, to mark Freedom Day of the Republic of South Africa.
The event was graced by the presence of the Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Marie Cyril Eddy Boissézon; the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth; as well as several Ministers and dignitaries.
In her address, High Commissioner Manzini stated that 27 April is a symbol of democracy and remains the most important day for the South Africans, before recalling the strongest condemnation pronounced by the international community led by the United Nations. She added that Mauritius was part of this community and expressed gratitude to the Mauritian Government for its unwavering support.
She underlined the key role of Nelson Mandela in ensuring that all South Africans can exercise their rights to vote, and his determination to construct a peaceful and prosperous nation. She also dwelt on the achievements made by South Africa over the last 30 years, which include policies and programmes that advance equality and human dignity in areas of economic empowerment, education, health care, social support and the provision of basic services.
Highlighting the strong relations between South Africa and Mauritius, she indicated that they transcend multilateral platforms ranging from education to trade and investment. She likewise seized the occasion to express appreciation to the Mauritian Government for providing scholarships to South African students.
Dr Manzini, moreover, attributed ethical leadership, inclusive development, peace and justice as the cornerstone of South Africa’s democracy and reaffirmed her country’s commitment to continue to contribute to peaceful solutions to solve conflict across the world.
It is recalled that Freedom Day is a public holiday in South Africa and is celebrated on 27 April. It commemorates the first post-apartheid elections, which coincide with the day Nelson Mandela was elected in 1994 and the day on which the new constitution was introduced.