Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe delivered a powerful keynote address at South Africa’s 2025 Freedom Day celebrations in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, where he condemned ongoing racial divisions and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to reconciliation.
Standing in for President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was unable to attend due to health reasons, Mantashe spoke at the AJ Swanepoel Stadium, addressing the nation’s progress since democracy.
“We chose reconciliation over revenge, healing over hatred, and peace over conflict,” Mantashe declared. “Yet, some right-wing factions see this as weakness rather than strength. That’s why you hear talk of places like Orania—an attempt to create a segregated enclave in our country.”
He issued a bold challenge to separatist ideologies: “If I were president for just three hours, I would order black South Africans to go build homes in Orania. Let’s mix and show that hatred cannot defeat peace. But since I can’t, I say this: Those who seek foreign intervention—who run to their ‘makhulu baas’ Donald Trump—should go live there as refugees. South Africa is sovereign, not America’s province, and we will defend that sovereignty.”
Earlier, Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie praised Ramaphosa for his Cabinet appointment in the Government of National Unity (GNU), dismissing critics who questioned his past.
“Some mocked me for supporting the president,” McKenzie said. “But Ramaphosa saw beyond my history and gave me a chance to serve. I won’t apologize for standing with him.” He added, “To the GNU’s detractors: We’re still strong, still united. Every couple argues, but we’re moving forward—siyaqhubeka.”
The event underscored the ANC-led government’s messaging on national unity amid political tensions, while Mantashe’s remarks signaled a firm stance against racial segregation and foreign interference. Freedom Day, commemorating South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, served as a platform to reinforce the ideals of inclusivity and sovereignty.
As the celebrations concluded, the speeches left a clear message: South Africa’s hard-won freedoms remain non-negotiable, even as the nation navigates complex social and political challenges.