Zuma offers help to municipalities in crisis

Less than two weeks after the death of Andries Tatane in violent service-delivery protests, President Jacob Zuma yesterday told a Freedom Day celebration in Pretoria that tailor-made interventions were needed to help municipalities in crisis.

Zuma, who was speaking at Freedom Day celebrations on the lawns of the Union Buildings, told a crowd of thousands that the "one-size-fits-all approach does not work".

He did not mention the killing of Tatane.

Zuma admitted that the "blurring of lines" between politicians and civil servants had "tended to affect" service delivery in municipalities.

He stressed the importance of the appointment of qualified and experienced personnel, the transparency of tender and procurement processes and better financial management at municipal level.

Zuma's comments were made as the Zandspruit informal settlement in Gauteng was still being monitored by the police after residents took to the streets yesterday demanding better service delivery.

In a speech peppered with references to racial co-operation, Zuma congratulated South Africa on the "substantial progress" it had made since 1994.

"In comparison to many countries that have deteriorated after liberation, we have done exceptionally well against all odds, in only 17 years," said Zuma.

He listed the government's achievements since 1994, including increased access to water, sanitation and electricity, and funding for higher education and training.

He did not mention the hate speech case brought by Afriforum against Julius Malema, but said South Africans "should commit ourselves to not allow anyone, group or structure in our society to trivialise our freedom or to reverse the gains of our hard-won democracy".

He said Freedom Day marked the "liberation of blacks from subjugation and whites from guilt and fear, leading to the formation of one South African nation, united in its diversity, colourfulness and vibrance".

The picture Zuma painted was at odds with the reality epitomised by his audience, which booed and heckled members of opposition parties, who were given two minutes each to address the crowd before Zuma's speech.

Both Sej Motau, a DA MP, and the IFP's Oscar Maseko were booed by the crowd. Motau was forced to stop speaking.

Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile intervened.

"We just want to listen to everyone, that's what freedom is all about," he said.

Before Zuma's speech, there was a procession through the streets of Pretoria by traditional dancers, soldiers, military veterans and motorcyclists.

The line-up of artists billed to perform included Soul Brothers, Chomee, Professor, Karen Zoid and a group introduced as Velskoen Tradisionele Volksmusiek.

17 YEARS LATER: ARE YOU FREE OR ARE YOU DOM?

René Oberholzer, 47, Parkwood: As a white South African, I don't think freedom means as much to me, but everybody gained from it - black people gained more because they were the ones who were oppressed. I don't celebrate Freedom Day because I'm usually working.

Martin Bloem, 24, Honeydew: People must stop their racism. Everyone is still focused on the apartheid times [when they talk of Freedom Day] - that's long gone.

Tarryn Timm, 19, Vrede Park: Freedom Day? Is that the one when Hector Pieterson died?

Donatella Rufrano, 25, Midrand: When we became a republic, I was only seven or eight years old but I remember feeling there was a friendship between everyone afterwards. It was an amazing and unifying feeling, so whenever the day comes around, that's what comes to my mind. It's still the same feeling. I hope it means as much to everyone.

Yunus Moosa, 57, Sandton: At the beginning, Freedom Day meant nation building but, because of the politicians opening up old wounds, it has alienated some and put many of us into defensive mode. I don't even vote now.

Jeanne-Ann Stott, 45: The day creates more awareness of freedom generally in the public. I think people who still look to the government to provide them with jobs are not free. As South Africans, we are not perfect, we still have racism and poverty, but we are working on things.

Sheeka, 22, Rosebank: Freedom Day means happiness, joy and no worries. If we weren't free, I wouldn't have gone to the schools, shops and varsities I went to and that made me the person I am today. There are loads of opportunities in South Africa.

Nadine Apple, 31, southern Johannesburg: Freedom Day means celebrating change in the country. - Andile Ndlovu and Zwanga Mukhuthu