By: Khethukuthula Lembethe

The Moses Mabhida Stadium was covered in yellow this Freedom Day as the crowed was geared up in ANC t-shirts that read “A better KZN since 1994”.

The chilly and windy weather didn’t keep the people away as the stadium was packed beyond its capacity. Attendees were not disheartened by the delayed start as the Durban City Orchestra alongside the eKwazini High School Choir kept them entertained.

Amongst those that attended the event were KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu, former Premier Zweli Mkhize, Health MEC Sibongiseni Dlomo, Nomusa Dube MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Willies Mchunu MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liason, Mayor James Nxumalo, KZN Education MEC Peggy Nkonyeni, DA leader Sizwe Mchunu and many other KZN leaders.

The event was one filled with long speeches and musical performances by local artists such as Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Zakes Bantwini, Thokozani Langa, Mbongeni Ngema, BIG NUZ and Durban’s favourite gospel acapella group Abanqobi.

“This day 20 years ago we buried apartheid, hatred, racism and colonialism and oppression,” said Nxumalo.

Peggy Nkonyeni took to the stage to speak on behalf of the ANC in KZN. “We have a good story to tell and the ANC is the only party with a story that makes sense,” said Nkonyeni.

Chief Chiliza of the Mdunge tribe spoke well of the development of the country. “We are witness of the good stories of South Africa and as traditional leaders; we will continue to work together with the government.”

Zweli Mkhize spoke against those that want to spoil ballet papers, and urged the crowed to vote on the 7th of May.

“The programme to free South Africa is a long journey and it must continue,” said Mkhize.

“The KZN of 2014 is not the same KZN of 1994,” said Mchunu as he mentioned all the developments in the province since 1994.

Premier Senzo Mchunu dancing with eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo.
Pictures by: Khethukuthula Lembethe

Mchunu said the light of freedom is a permanent light as it has been since 1994 when the people queued up in those winding lines to cast their first vote.

He also encouraged the people to vote in the next election.

“To hell with no vote,” Mchunu said in closing.

As the people were still filling up, the event continued with song and dance.