Here the forces and the peoples who make us what we are today interacted and clashed. Like the rest of our country, you have finally found the answer. Today's event confirms that Bloemfontein has come full-circle. It is the proud host of the Supreme Court of South Africa. Die Vrystaat is op 'n tyd beskou as 'n bakermat van konser- watiewe denke.
Communities also have their part to play.
We can no longer simply bemoan the past. The fact that we were deprived does not entitle us to free services. The more our councils are strapped for cash because of our debts, the less they can do to improve conditions or even to maintain services. That is the spirit of Masakhane. Indeed, the extent to which South Africa acknowledges the status of Bloemfontein as one of its leading cities, will depend on how seriously the city takes its responsibilities for good governance and civic duty.