Easter wishes

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended warm Easter wishes to South Africans, calling for a safe and joyful long weekend filled with tolerance, patience, and respect. In a heartfelt statement released on Thursday, 17 April 2025, the president encouraged all citizens, regardless of faith, to use the Easter break as a time for rest, reconnection, and celebration. “Easter is a special period for devoted Christians to celebrate their faith and the triumph of life over death, and it is an opportunity for South Africans of all backgrounds to enjoy rest and reconnection with family and friends,” Ramaphosa said. As millions prepare to travel or spend time with loved ones, he urged everyone to prioritise road safety and foster peace in communities, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

A Message of Unity and Celebration

President Ramaphosa’s Easter message resonates deeply in a country known for its rich cultural and religious diversity. He acknowledged the significance of the holiday for South Africa’s Christian communities, who will be commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ through church services, prayer, and family gatherings. At the same time, he extended his best wishes to all South Africans, including those who view the long weekend as a chance to unwind and strengthen social bonds. “President Ramaphosa offered his best wishes for the Easter break to South Africa’s diverse Christian denominations as well as compatriots for whom this will purely be a period of rest and social connection,” the statement noted.
Easter in South Africa is a vibrant time, with churches across the nation—from Soweto to Cape Town—hosting special services, while families gather for traditional meals like pickled fish and hot cross buns. For many, it’s also a chance to enjoy the autumn weather, with popular destinations like the Garden Route and Drakensberg seeing an influx of visitors. Ramaphosa’s inclusive message highlights the shared spirit of the season, encouraging unity and mutual respect among South Africans of all backgrounds.

A Call for Tolerance and Respect

Central to the president’s message is the importance of conducting oneself with care and consideration during the Easter period. “A safe Easter period depends on citizens conducting themselves with tolerance, patience and respect for everyone with whom they come into contact,” Ramaphosa emphasized. This call to action comes at a time when South Africa continues to grapple with social challenges, including road accidents, crime, and occasional tensions in communities.
The president’s plea for tolerance aligns with ongoing national efforts to promote social cohesion. In 2024, the Department of Arts and Culture launched the “Ubuntu Dialogues” initiative, aimed at fostering understanding among diverse groups. Ramaphosa’s words build on this, encouraging South Africans to embody the spirit of Ubuntu—humanity towards others—during the Easter break and beyond. Whether on the roads, at family gatherings, or in public spaces, his message is clear: a peaceful Easter starts with mutual respect.

Road Safety Takes Centre Stage

With millions expected to travel over the Easter weekend, President Ramaphosa placed a strong emphasis on road safety, a critical issue in South Africa where holiday periods often see a spike in accidents. “President Ramaphosa urges citizens to take care of themselves and others on the roads and in social situations,” the statement read. He provided practical advice to ensure safer journeys, saying, “As we move around our beautiful country, let us reduce speed, buckle up, rest up and leave our phones alone while we’re driving. Let’s make sure vehicles are well maintained and that we avoid the need to rush by leaving home or our workplaces early enough.”

This advice is timely, as Easter weekend road fatalities remain a concern. In 2024, the Road Traffic Management Corporation reported 252 deaths over the Easter period, with speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving identified as major causes. Ramaphosa’s call to “reduce speed” and “leave our phones alone” directly addresses these risks, while his suggestion to “rest up” highlights the dangers of driver fatigue—a factor in 20% of holiday crashes. By urging citizens to plan their trips and maintain their vehicles, he aims to prevent the rush that often leads to reckless driving.

The president also encouraged drivers to appreciate South Africa’s scenic beauty, noting, “This will allow us to be patient with other road users and to enjoy the beauty of our landscapes.” From the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape to the coastal roads of the Western Cape, the Easter weekend offers a chance to take in the country’s stunning vistas—safely.

Fostering Peace in Homes and Communities

Beyond the roads, Ramaphosa emphasized the need for harmony in homes and communities. “This should also be a period of care and peace in our homes and communities,” he said. Easter often brings families together, but it can also be a time of heightened stress or conflict, particularly in areas facing economic hardship or social challenges. The president’s message serves as a reminder to nurture positive relationships and create a supportive environment during the break.

This call for peace aligns with broader government initiatives to address crime and domestic violence. In March 2025, the South African Police Service launched Operation Shanela, a high-visibility policing strategy that has reduced crime rates in hotspot areas like Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain. Community safety programs, such as neighbourhood watch groups in Durban and rural safety committees in Limpopo, have also gained traction, fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Ramaphosa’s words encourage South Africans to build on these efforts, ensuring the Easter weekend is a time of joy, not strife.

A Time for Rejuvenation

President Ramaphosa concluded his message with a hopeful note, wishing all South Africans a refreshing break. “May this be a time of celebration and rejuvenation for the year ahead,” he said. This sentiment resonates as the country navigates a challenging economic climate, with inflation at 5.1% and unemployment at 32.9% as of early 2025. For many, the Easter weekend offers a much-needed pause to recharge and reflect.

The president’s focus on rejuvenation also ties into South Africa’s cultural and spiritual traditions. Easter is a time of renewal for Christians, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. For others, the long weekend provides an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, attend community events, or simply relax. In cities like Johannesburg, events such as the Rand Show and Easter egg hunts at Zoo Lake are expected to draw crowds, while rural communities may host traditional celebrations or sports tournaments.

South Africa’s Easter Traditions

Easter in South Africa is a blend of the sacred and the social. For the country’s 80% Christian population, the weekend begins with Good Friday services, often marked by solemn processions and fasting. In Cape Town, the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) will host its annual pilgrimage to Moria, drawing millions to pray and celebrate. Easter Sunday brings joyous services, with churches filled with song and families sharing meals like roast lamb or snoek braais.

For non-Christians, the holiday is a chance to enjoy the four-day weekend, which includes Family Day on Easter Monday. Popular activities include camping in the Magaliesberg, hiking in the Cederberg, or visiting family in rural areas like the Eastern Cape. The president’s inclusive message ensures that all South Africans, regardless of belief, feel part of the national celebration.

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