SA belongs to all - Mbeki

2005-04-27 14:22

Durban - South Africa has steadily become a country that belongs to all, President Thabo Mbeki told the main Freedom Day gathering in Durban on Wednesday.

"Where there could have serious racial conflict because of our past, our people - particularly those who were oppressed - have ... forgiven those responsible for their untold suffering," he said.

Thousands of people packed the stands at the Absa Stadium to listen to Mbeki and join in festivities to celebrate the beginning of South Africa's second decade of democracy.

Mbeki said the challenges of the coming decade were numerous and daunting. Some believed it was the sole responsibility of the government to tackle these matters.

"These include those who don't take the initiative to do something about their circumstances but always complain that government is not doing anything for them," Mbeki said.

"These people, to whom South Africa also belongs, usually fold their arms when their compatriots engage in self-reliance programmes."

- SAPA