Ladysmith | 27 April 2026 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli led the provincial commemoration of Freedom Day, marking 32 years of democracy, at the Ladysmith Sports Complex on Monday, 27 April 2026.

The event brought together government leaders, community members and stakeholders to reflect on South Africa’s journey to freedom and the continued responsibility to uphold democratic values.

Reflecting on the Struggle for Freedom

In his address, Premier Ntuli emphasised that the freedoms enjoyed today were hard-won through sacrifice and resilience. He noted that the struggle against colonialism and imperialism, led in many instances by Amakhosi, laid the foundation for later resistance against apartheid.

He further highlighted that the fight against apartheid resulted in many lives lost, with individuals being killed, imprisoned, banished or banned for their role in the liberation struggle.

Despite these hardships, the Premier commended the resilience of the people, noting that they remained steadfast in their pursuit of freedom until apartheid was ultimately defeated.

Upholding the Bill of Rights

Premier Ntuli reminded citizens that the advent of democracy brought with it the Bill of Rights, which must be exercised responsibly. He stressed that rights and freedoms must go hand in hand with accountability, respect for others and active participation in building a just society.

Call to Youth Participation

The Premier also addressed young people in attendance, referring to them as custodians of the country’s democratic gains. He encouraged the youth to actively participate in democratic processes, particularly by exercising their right to vote in upcoming local government elections.

He noted that participation in elections enables citizens to shape the future of governance and ensure that leadership reflects the will and aspirations of the people.

Building on the Legacy of Freedom

The Freedom Day commemoration reaffirmed KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the liberation struggle while advancing social justice, equality and inclusive development.

Premier Ntuli concluded by calling on all citizens to honour the sacrifices of the past by working collectively to build a democratic society that delivers dignity, opportunity and progress for all.