As South Africans commemorate Freedom Day, marking the birth of democracy and the end of apartheid, the President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) calls on citizens to give thanks for the country’s hard-won freedom and to work together to overcome persistent challenges such as corruption, violence, and xenophobia.

In a message shared ahead of Freedom Day, observed annually on the 27 of April, since the first democratic elections held in 1994, Cardinal Stephen Brislin reflected on the significance of remembering the past while remaining committed to building a more just and united society.

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Remembering the Journey to Freedom

Cardinal Brislin emphasized that despite the many difficulties facing the nation today, South Africans must not lose sight of the progress achieved.

“Let us not forget where we come from,” he said. “We have come from a dreadful system of racism, of apartheid, of the dehumanization of people. Today, we are a free country, with freedom of speech and freedom of association. We must never forget that.”

He described South Africa as a nation blessed with significant freedoms, including freedom of religion, and encouraged citizens to recognize these gifts with gratitude to God.

Working Together to Overcome Division

While acknowledging the country’s achievements, the Local Ordinary of Johannesburg Archdiocese highlighted the challenges that continue to affect social cohesion. He pointed to corruption, violence, and anti-migrant sentiment as factors that undermine the dignity and well-being of communities.

“Building cohesion among all the citizens of South Africa is paramount,” he said. “Regrettably, in many ways we are still a divided country, and we must find ways of truly unifying and becoming one South Africa.”

Cardinal Brislin warned that corruption and greed deprive people of essential services such as healthcare, housing, and opportunities for a better future, thereby limiting the very freedom that citizens celebrate.

Freedom as a Shared Responsibility

The SACBC President encouraged South Africans to view freedom not only as a right but also as a responsibility that requires collective effort and moral commitment.

“Let us work together so that we can be truly free – not subject to the violence we experience on our streets and not subject to corruption that robs people of their future,” he said.

He urged citizens to confront social challenges through prayer, solidarity, and active participation in building a just society.

Solidarity Beyond Borders

Reflecting on the broader meaning of freedom, Cardinal Brislin reminded South Africans that true freedom cannot exist in isolation.

“We can never be truly free when other people are not free,” he said. “While we rejoice in our freedom, we must stand in solidarity with those who do not yet enjoy the freedoms that we have.”

His message concluded with a call for unity, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the common good, encouraging all South Africans to celebrate Freedom Day not only as a historical milestone but as an ongoing mission to build a society rooted in justice, peace, and human dignity.