Johannesburg, 27 April 2020: This year’s Freedom Day was a celebration of a different kind – under lockdown, due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Nelson Mandela said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

While respecting the regulations of social distancing, we remembered Tata Madiba’s words today, and celebrated in the solitude of our own homes but stood together, as a united South Africa, facing a silent enemy, and an inhibitor of our freedom of movement.

We have proved to the world, that a nation in the southern most corner of Africa, can slow down and eventually defeat a global pandemic through our people’s cooperation and collaboration.

As we remember the day South Africa was liberated, let us salute and appreciate not only our fallen freedom fighters but our country’s current heroes and heroines who are at the forefront of the fight against the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to all the sacrifices they are making, and their tireless fight to keep our people and our economy safe and alive, they reminded us today that freedom comes with huge responsibilities and a common duty to maintain and uphold the values that earned us that freedom.

Patriotism is about collaboration, and loving both our country and our fellow citizens enough to respect regulations by cooperating with our government‘s efforts to keep us safe. I am delighted to report that some of us in the Public Relations and Communication sector are making a meaningful contribution to our country during these challenging and business unusual times.

Differences, political bickering and fierce industry competition have been put aside to make way for cooperation to help move our country forward.

PRISA is proud of professionals and agencies who have taken the lead in COVID messages of support such as BCW, Robyn de Villiers’ “StayInReachOut” project.  CEO of PR Worx, Madelain Roscher’s inspirational campaign: #GoldCrownofExcellence recognises South Africa’s leaders daily for their efforts in working shoulder to shoulder with government, corporates, employees and communities in their fight against this pandemic.  You can also message @prworx on social media to nominate the modern day heroes who you believe deserve to receive recognition for the difference they are making.

As the content creators of the marketing-communications sector and the custodians of authentic stories, PRISA appeals to the industry to create and collaborate on projects that will assist government in its efforts to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

Warm wishes to all Consultants on National Freedom Day.

Victor Sibeko – PRISA CEO