High Commissioner of South Africa Kumalo Mpendulo hosted the 21st Freedom Day reception at Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, sharing the momentous anniversary with members of the diplomatic corps, many Pakistanis and a handful of South Africans living here.

The Freedom Day marks the day in 1994 when the first democratic and non-racial national elections were held in South Africa, when everyone over the age of 18, of any race, including non-citizens, was allowed to vote. It was also the day that 21 years ago the African National Congress was voted into power and Nelson Mandela was elected president a fortnight later.

Mandela, who authored the ‘Long Walk to Freedom’, wrote, “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.” The Freedom Day, while a time of rejoicing, is also used to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives to liberate South Africa.

The reception began with the national anthems of both South Africa and Pakistan after which High Commissioner Mpendulo cut a cake. A dinner followed including a divine lemon meringue pie and individual milk tarts, a South African delicacy!

Nuzhat Adnan, a guest at the occasion, said: “It is always wonderful to come to these receptions as you get to meet so many friends and it is great to be able to interact with people from different countries. The food is very good, but the experience of food isn’t as important as the interaction with the people.”

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2015

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