Pretoria, South Africa – Deputy President Paul Mashatile and French President Emmanuel Macron led a wreath-laying ceremony at Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria on Friday evning to honour French citizens who supported South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
President Macron was officially received by Deputy President Mashatile on arrival at the heritage site, ahead of the event. The visit is part of Macron’s schedule before attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit on November 22 and 23 under the theme Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mashatile described Freedom Park as sacred ground, dedicated to all who sacrificed their lives for justice, freedom and human dignity. He said the tribute to French activists showed that South Africa’s liberation struggle was supported globally.
Mashatile, reflecting on his own experience as an anti-apartheid activist, said the ceremony was a reminder of the collective sacrifices that made democracy possible. He noted that French citizens, including activists, journalists and scholars, had risked their lives and used their voices to stand against apartheid.
The Deputy President added that the solidarity shown by international supporters strengthened those resisting oppression at home and formed part of the long moral arc toward justice in South Africa. He said the ceremony also reinforced the historic bonds between South Africa and France, rooted in shared values, sacrifices and commitment to human rights.
Mashatile concluded by urging both nations to safeguard the freedoms won through struggle, promote social justice, and ensure that stories of liberation continue to inspire future generations.
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