As government continues to celebrate 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy, citizens will be provided with an opportunity to engage government on service delivery through various activations that will be held throughout the country.

As a symbol of the country’s democratic journey, a bus will be used in the coming months by different departments to hold community engagements objectively aimed at fostering dialogue and increase citizen participation in shaping government’s service delivery programmes.

Addressing the occasion for the handover of the freedom and democracy bus, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga explained that the term “bus” is short for omnibus, which means ‘for everyone.”

‘It often symbolises taking a journey. So it fits well with the idea that we should all embark on a journey to commemorate the arrival of democracy and freedom. This bus will travel the length and breadth of our country until April next year, spreading the message of what the government has delivered to bring a better life
to the people of South Africa over the past 30 years,’ Chikunga said in Centurion on Monday.

The Minister handed over the freedom and democracy bus to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

‘The bus will be managed by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) but available to all government departments for various campaigns. As you will see when you board the bus, it is fully kitted out to ensure that public servants continue their work while travelling on the long road.

‘We urge all government departments to take ownership of the bus, as we will also do as the Department of Transport. The first assignment will be this weekend when it will be used as part of the Youth Month activities.

‘As a country, we have emerged unified from the recent elections and we continue to put people first as we celebrate 30 years of democracy and freedom. From the dawn of democracy in 1994, to date we stand more committed to bring a better life to all citizens of this glorious nation,’ Chikunga said.

T
he 27th of April 2024 marked 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa. This day marked a historic milestone in South Africa, as all adults were allowed to cast their votes, for the first time, a free and fair democratic election.

As part of commemorations for the ’30 Years of Freedom’ campaign, government will reflect on the nation’s history, celebrate its accomplishments, and inspire citizens to continue contributing to its progress.

Source: South African Government News Agency