South Africa’s Freedom Day
 
In commemoration of the first multiracial elections of the Republic of South Africa on April 27, 1994, Ambassador Martin Slabber recently hosted a celebration party at Fairmont Hotel to honor their Freedom Day.
 
Guests from the Philippine government, diplomatic and consular corps, South African nationals and friends of the Emabssy were treated with renowned South African wines that flowed along with cherished conversations.
 
On the auspicious occasion, South Africa honored the election that marked the end of over 300 years of colonialism, segregation and white minority rule, which paved the way for the establishment of a democratic government.
 
“We know that we need to be very vigilant in order to protect our democracy. Our [democracy] is a young democracy, but I have no doubt that in the next years we will see that the democratic values will become more engraved in our society and that our constitution will become stronger,” Ambassador Slabber stated.
 
“South Africa’s Freedom Day is an important part of history, not only for the people of South Africa but for all of humanity,” DFA Undersecretary Rafael Seguis added for his part.
 
“The mark that had left in the international community shows that yearning for freedom and pursuit to democracy for social justice can concurred the case of prejudice and oppressions.”
 
The Philippines and South Africa have maintained warm and friendly relations since 1993, with the Philippines maintaining an embassy in Pretoria and South Africa having an embassy in Manila. In 2015, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry held talks with the aim of further strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
 
“Its zeal for democracy is something the Philippines shares with South Africa,” beamed the Foreign Affairs Undersecretary. “Both countries went through dark periods and people made sacrifices in order to achieve freedom. Today, South Africa has becomes much stronger as a country.”
 
To Ambassador Slabber, the Embassy of South Africa and all South African nationals, Expat raises its glasses to your achievements and celebration!