The Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thelma E. Duncan-Sawyer, has extolled the Republic of South Africa on the observance of its National Day, noting that it is a manifestation of victory over evil.
Deputy Minister Sawyer said it is 29 years since multiracial and multiparty democracy was introduced in that country, where every adult was allowed to vote for the first time, adding that this day is worth the celebration because it was on this day that all barriers hindering national unity, political, social and economic inclusion were eliminated.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Amb. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Sawyer said on this day the humanity and true citizenship of all South Africans was bonded. “Indeed, on this day the Republic of South Africa became a true Rainbow Nation,” she stated.
She said Liberia is proud to play the role it played in getting South Africa to this level. “We commend the resilience of the people of South Africa and appreciate them for the immeasurable sacrifices made by individuals and nations to break them away from the chains of unjust segregation and bondage,” Deputy Minister Sawyer added.
Deputy Minister Sawyer made the remarks on the occasion marking the National Day of the Republic of South Africa, held at a hotel recently in Monrovia.
Sawyer said they cannot commemorate this day without remembering those words from the Freedom Father, Nelson M. Mendala, during the Rivonia Trial in Pretoria Supreme Court on April 20, 1964, when he said, “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society, in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for. But, my Lord, if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Deputy Minister Sawyer then used the occasion to recall, with special gratitude, the monumental role South Africa played in ending the Liberian civil crisis, noting that it was South Africa that provided the first US$9 million towards Liberia’s security sector reform, specifically as benefits for disbanded soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
Also speaking, Ambassador Prof. Iqbal Jhazbhay, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Liberia, said he is glad to be in Liberia to commemorate the 20 years of the Accra Peace Accord, which is a great milestone in Liberia.
Prof. Jhazbhay said between 1990 to 1996 Liberia experienced about thirteen failed peace agreements signed, noting that since the Accra Peace Accord stands it means that Liberia broke with the pattern of the failed peace agreement, transitioning from war to peace.
Ambassador Jhazbhay said with the level of engagement with the development agenda, they are very pleased with the relations with Liberia.
The South African Ambassador thanked Deputy Minister Sawyer and the Government of Liberia (GOL) for the warm reception accorded him, and hailed the excellent relations and cooperation subsisting between Liberia and his country.