By the Chief Legal Officer-Neftaly Malatjie
Good morning SayPro family, partners, and fellow South Africans,
Today, we stand together to honour a moment that reshaped our nation’s destiny — Freedom Day. On the 27th of April, 1994, South Africans of all races stood side by side to cast their votes in the first democratic election. It was the beginning of a new era — one of hope, dignity, and the promise of equality.
As the Chief Legal Officer at SayPro, I am reminded today that freedom is not just a feeling — it is a legal right, protected by law, earned through struggle, and sustained through justice.
It is easy to celebrate the victory of 1994. But it is far more important to ask: What are we doing today to protect that victory — especially for our youth?
At SayPro, our work is grounded in a clear belief: True freedom includes legal empowerment. It means ensuring that every young South African:
- Knows their rights,
- Can access justice,
- Is protected against exploitation, and
- Can speak, act, and lead without fear.
This Freedom Day, I want us to reflect on three legal pillars that must guide our work going forward:
1. Equality Before the Law Must Be Lived, Not Just Promised
Too many young people still experience inequality — in access to education, fair treatment in the workplace, and basic legal protection. The Constitution is clear: Everyone is equal before the law. Our job is to make that real.
2. Freedom Requires Protection
Democracy doesn’t sustain itself. It must be defended — from corruption, abuse of power, and all forms of injustice. SayPro is committed to promoting integrity, compliance, and good governance at every level of our work.
3. Youth Must Be Legally Empowered to Lead
Freedom for young people means knowing how to advocate, how to challenge injustice, and how to influence policy. We must educate, train, and support youth as legal actors, not just passive citizens. Our future depends on a legally literate, rights-conscious generation.
Colleagues, freedom is not a moment in time — it is a daily, legal, moral commitment. It is embedded in the Constitution. It is echoed in every law that protects the dignity of our people. And it must be reflected in our policies, our programmes, and our leadership.
To the youth of South Africa:
You are protected by the Constitution. You have the right to dream, to speak, to challenge, and to lead. Your freedom is not negotiable. It is the foundation of our democracy.
At SayPro, we will continue to uphold that foundation — with integrity, with courage, and with the legal tools necessary to turn justice into action.
Let us build a South Africa where the law works for the people — not against them.
Let us make freedom fair, fearless, and full.
Happy Freedom Day. Thank you.
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