By Thys Khiba
Botshabelo – In her Freedom Day speech, Free State Premier Sefora Sisi Ntombela says that working together as a unity South Africans can defeat Covid-19 and all social ills that they face.
According to Ntombela, this will be a way of ensuring that the hard earned Freedom will be enjoyed in harmony and prosperity.
“…let us remember that this Freedom Day comes during a time when South Africa, and indeed the entire globe, grapples with Covid-19. I call upon all citizens of our country not to let their guard down. The fight is far from over,” said Ntombela.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says that this year’s local elections will be very difficult as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on both the economy and public health.
“Many people have lost their jobs. Businesses have been forced to close. Families are struggling to make ends meet,” said Ramaphosa.
Ntombela has also linked the surge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) to inequality, poverty and unemployment. “The inequality, poverty and unemployment has no doubt contributed to the surge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which the President has correctly alluded to as a second pandemic, after Covid-19, which continues to manifest itself in our communities,” said Ntombela.
Meanwhile, as the nation commemorate Freedom Day, the Free State government with several national ministers and President Ramaphosa officially opened the Charlotte Maxeke Treatment Centre in Botshabelo. The centre will be used for a rehabilitation centre for substance abuse among other services.
“This is indeed a symbolic measure in reassuring the South African society that government’s commitment to gender equality remains strong and resolute,” said Ntombela.
Ntombela believes that those who will be seeking help to deal with substance abuse, will visit the centre in Botshabelo.
The Free State Premier has also reminded her community that as they commemorate Freedom Day, this day of 27 April 1994 comes with responsibility.
“A responsibility to help those who need our help to realise the true freedom of a fruitful life free of substance abuse.”
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