I would like to wish all Capetonians a happy Freedom Day. On this day 23 years ago, we had our first democratic election. We tasted the first fruits of our hard-won freedom and many people enjoyed the freedom to vote for the very first time.
During the apartheid Struggle, many lives were lost so that we could have the freedoms enshrined in our constitution.
Now, it is important for each of us to claim the freedoms that we are guaranteed.
We can build a more inclusive city by claiming our freedom of movement, association and religion.
We can also continue to build a well-run city if all residents step up to their civic duties.
Now more than ever before, it is important to reflect on the sacrifices which were made for our freedom.
We must realise that it remains incumbent upon all of us to safeguard our democratic gains.
Let us remember those long queues of South Africans gathering to vote for the first time and acknowledge that it is up to us to carry their dreams forward.
It is in recognising this that we will be able to work together to build the South Africa that we all desire to be part of and live in.