Zille: SA should be proud of overcoming apartheid

South Africans should be proud of the progress made in overcoming the legacy of apartheid, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille said on Tuesday.

In a statement released before Reconciliation Day on Wednesday, Zille said the day symbolised the advances the country had made towards ending discrimination.

“Our Day of Reconciliation reminds us how far we have come as a nation,” said Zille.

“We celebrate these efforts and renew our commitments to achieving a united, safe, prosperous and free society in which all South Africans have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.”

Zille said Helen Suzman’s death at the beginning of the year reminded the country of the responsibilities vested in all to help to continue to build a society free from all forms of discrimination and power abuse.

Suzman, an anti-apartheid activist, was the sole representative in Parliament of the liberal Progressive Party, forerunner of the Democratic Alliance, from 1961 to 1974.

“We must continue to foster tolerance and compassion,” Zille said.—Sapa