Thousands of people cheered when former deputy president Jacob Zuma arrived at the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication in Soweto on Sunday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Charter.
A large TV screen above the square showed Zuma smiling and hugging people as he arrived at the venue, accompanied by African National Congress secretary general Kgalema Motlanthe, and Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota.
Most of the crowd wore white T-shirts with the words of the ”Freedom Charter” displayed on the back.
Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and veterans who took part in the original gathering in Kliptown 1955 had also arrived. Albertina Sisulu, widow of struggle stalwart Walter Sisulu, was present in a wheelchair. The day will also mark the opening of the square dedicated to her husband.
South African Communist Party leader Blade Nzimande was present, but of the opposition parties, only the Independent Democrats appeared to be taking part. No Inkatha Freedom Party, African Christian Democratic Party, Democratic Alliance, and United Christian Democratic Party representatives had arrived by 11.30am.
The Freedom Charter was a manifesto which inspired generations in the struggle against apartheid and its values are included in the country’s Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Some opposition parties have described the event as a waste of public money.
”The UCDP [United Christian Democratic Party] maintains that the millions set aside for the occasion should have been used to improve the quality of life of the residents of Kliptown and other people in the country,” said party spokesperson Sipho Mfundisi on Saturday.
President Thabo Mbeki is expected to address the crowd around noon. – Sapa