OTTAWA,
ON, April 27, 2024 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister,
Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement marking
South Africa's 30th Freedom
Day:
"Thirty years ago today, South
Africa began a new chapter. After centuries of colonialism
and decades of apartheid, South Africans held their first election
open to all voters.
"Now a national holiday in South
Africa, Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate
democracy. It's also a day to honour the heroes who led the way,
including Nelson Mandela – a symbol
of anti-apartheid revolution and freedom who showed us that better
is possible.
"Only four months after being released, Nelson Mandela came to Canada – a testament to our country's strong
support for South Africa's
anti-apartheid struggle. Canadians were proud to play a role in
helping South Africa draft its
first democratic constitution. And in the years that followed, the
bond between our countries only grew: President Mandela became the
first foreign leader to be named an honorary Companion of the Order
of Canada and the first living
person to receive honorary Canadian citizenship.
"Canada remains a strong
partner to South Africa. Our
countries work closely on a wide range of shared priorities,
including fighting climate change, investing in clean energy, and
deepening partnership in science, technology, and innovation. We
continue to advance these priorities ahead of 2025, when
Canada and South Africa will be hosting the G7 and G20
summits, respectively.
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I join South African communities in
Canada and around the world in
marking this milestone anniversary. Our friendship will only get
stronger.
"Happy Freedom Day!"
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
SOURCE Prime Minister's Office