{{South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday that his country has made Significant economic improvements since the attainment of democracy.}}<\/p>\n
“While income inequality remains high, the expansion of our social grant system from 2.7 million in 1994 to 16 million currently has contributed to a significant reduction in the proportion of households living in poverty,” he told a large crowd at a Freedom Day event in Pretoria.<\/p>\n
“There are many achievements on the economic front as well. The South African economy has expanded by 83% over the past 19 years.”<\/p>\n
Zuma said despite numerous “trying” moments encountered in the young democracy, like the Marikana tragedy, South Africans stood together in unity.<\/p>\n
On 16 August last year, 34 striking miners were shot dead by police at the Lonmin mine in Marikana, in North-West. An inquiry into the incident has yet to be wrapped up.<\/p>\n
“Many thought the Marikana tragedy marked the end of the road for a peaceful and democratic South Africa, but working together, we rose above the tragedy and put our country first”.<\/p>\n
“We await the conclusion of the Farlam Commission of Inquiry into this painful matter.”<\/p>\n
Zuma thanked South Africans for supporting the families of 13 soldiers who were killed by rebels in Bangui in the Central African Republic last month.<\/p>\n
Thousands of people braved the scorching heat in the lawn area at the Union Buildings for the annual Freedom Day commemoration.<\/p>\n
The 2013 celebration is being held under the theme \u201cMobilising society towards consolidating our democracy and freedom\u201d.<\/p>\n
Zuma’s speech was preceded by addresses to the crowd by representatives of political parties including the Inkatha Freedom Party, United Democratic Movement and the Democratic Alliance.<\/p>\n
Later on, Zuma is due to hand over national orders to numerous \u201coutstanding South African citizens and foreign nationals\u201d at an event to be held at the nearby Sefako M Makgatho presidential guest house.<\/p>\n
Olympic swimming champion Chad le Clos, football legend Kaizer Motaung and Lead SA activist Yusuf Abramjee are on the long list of recipients.<\/p>\n
United States civil rights activist Jesse Jackson is also on the list along with politicians, musicians, and scientists.<\/p>\n
SAPA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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