Unarmed and defenceless, they challenged the might and brutality of successive oppressive regimes in order to ensure that future generations could live in a South Africa that truly belonged to all. We are grateful for their sacrifices and inspired by their courage, as we carry the baton towards equality, employment and poverty eradication. As we start another journey into the second centenary, united in our diversity, our collective focus will be on making further advances and jealously defending the gains of freedom and democracy.