[South Africa] dogged by poverty ahead of Freedom celebrations

from SABC News

One of the main challenges still facing this country after twelve years of democracy is poverty, notwithstanding great strides the country has made in some areas over this period, according to Pallo Jordan, the arts and culture minister, on the eve of the Freedom Day celebrations tomorrow.

The theme for this year's celebrations is: "Age of Hope-Through Struggle to Freedom". This year's theme stems from President Thabo Mbeki's State of the Nation address in February. Among other things, he mentioned the country's positive economic growth as something that brings hope.

And the "Struggle to Freedom" is linked to the fact that freedom was an outcome of the struggle. Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace prize laureate, is convinced that we have every reason to celebrate. Tutu said: "You remember how people predicted? Just wait, give them three months, you are going to see this country going to the dogs. Guess what? Nearly 12 years and Tito is regarded as one of the best governors of central banks in the world."

Celebrations will be held countrywide
Jordan said: "When we came into office, we were nervous about the growth rate of the economy and for a long time it sort of stuck between three perecnt and four percent and last year most of the economists said no, actually South Africa's economy has grown at the rate close to six percent."

But, Jordan acknowledges that government is still grappling with huge challenges to better the lives of the people. They include unemployment, housing, service delivery and these are all related to poverty. Celebrations will be held countrywide, with the main event in Kimberley, where President Thabo Mbeki is expected to speak.