The world celebrated Freedom Day with South Africa, with everyone from Google to saucy celebrity chef Nigella Lawson getting in on the day.
|||The world celebrated Freedom Day with South Africa yesterday, with everyone from Google to saucy celebrity chef Nigella Lawson getting in on the day.
Google marked the day with one of its famous Google Doodles, this year featuring a beaded design bearing the South African flag. It’s the second Freedom Day doodle for South Africa, after a basket weave design, also bearing the flag, was used in 2011.
Lawson, meanwhile, took to Twitter yesterday to encourage her South African friends “planning a braai for Freedom Day” to try out her sliced steak recipe.
Freedom Day became a trending topic on social network Twitter yesterday too, with South Africans from cricketer Wayne Parnell to Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout sending out their Freedom Day wishes.
In a statement released on Friday on behalf of the US, President Barack Obama also sent his “best wishes” to South Africans on Freedom Day.
“Celebrating this Freedom Day, we commemorate the remarkable progress that South Africans have achieved since the first inclusive election 19 years ago.
“Your successful struggle to overcome apartheid remains a testament to the power of democracy and an inspiration to people around the world who value freedom,” the statement, written by press secretary John Kerry, said.
“I offer you my best wishes… and join the country in wishing (former) president (Nelson) Mandela a speedy recovery.”
Mandela, meanwhile, celebrated Freedom Day with close friends and family at his Johannesburg home.
Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said the 94-year-old, who is recovering from a number of ailments, was in good shape.
“Everything is okay. We all just want to wish Mandela happy Freedom Day, thank him for his efforts and wish him many more years,” said Maharaj.
Spokesman for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sello Hatang, said: “After retiring Nelson Mandela wanted to spend more time with close family and friends, and yesterday was no different.”
“Today is yet another reminder that we must celebrate Freedom Day without taking for granted the rights we are enjoying,” Hatang said. - Weekend Argus