By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Government downplayed a security breach that occurred when an individual climbed onto the stage during the Freedom Day celebrations at the Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfotein.
President Cyril Ramaphosa had just finished delivering his keynote address to hundreds of people who attended the event.
The individual jumped onto the stage and the security personnel intervened quickly to remove him.
The event was marking 32 years of democracy under the theme “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship.
In a statement released this evening, Government said at the time of the incident, “the formal programme of the Freedom Day celebrations had already concluded, and proceedings had transitioned into a cultural performance segment, with an artist entertaining the attendees.”
“The President, accompanied by dignitaries, was on stage engaging with the performance in a celebratory manner. Members of the public, including a large number of children, were gathered in an orderly fashion outside the main stage area, awaiting an opportunity to greet the President.”
“During this time, an individual, in a state of visible excitement, made his way onto the stage with the intention of greeting the President and the Minister. Security personnel responded swiftly, restraining the individual in line with standard protocol.”
“It has since been established that the individual posed no security threat and did not attempt to cause harm. His actions were driven by enthusiasm and a desire to interact with the President and the Minister, read the statement.”
Breaking news
Freedom Day celebrations in Bloemfontein were briefly disrupted after an individual attempted to attack President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Gayton McKenzie on stage, before security quickly intervened.#FreedomDay pic.twitter.com/gImcbvJvZI
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) April 27, 2026
“Government further confirms that the official programme was not disrupted.”
“Following this brief moment, the President proceeded to engage with members of the public outside the stage area, including the individual concerned, who expressed great joy at meeting the President.”
“Members of the public and media are urged to rely on verified information and to exercise caution when sharing unconfirmed reports that may cause unnecessary alarm, concluded the statement.”
Freedom Day is commemorated annually on 27 April to mark South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994 and the formal end of apartheid rule.
While the government and opposition parties differed in their assessment of progress since 1994, all highlighted unemployment and service delivery as central challenges facing the country’s next phase of democracy.