Bloemfontein – The government has moved to clarify reports about disruption during the National Freedom Day celebrations after an individual was restrained by security personnel as he headed toward President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“Government notes with concern misleading reports suggesting that the National Freedom Day celebrations were disrupted after an individual briefly made his way onto the stage towards President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie,” said the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in a statement on Monday, 27 April 2026.
“Government wishes to clarify that these reports are incorrect and may overstate the nature of the incident.”
The GCIS explained that the official programme had already concluded and transitioned into a cultural performance.
President Ramaphosa, Minister McKenzie, and other dignitaries, were still on the stage, engaging with the performance in a celebratory manner, when an individual, described as “visibly excited”, made his way onto the stage.
However, security personnel quickly restrained him, following standard protocol.
It has been established that the man posed no security threat and had no intention of causing harm.
His actions were motivated by enthusiasm and a desire to interact with the President and the minister.
In the statement, the GCIS said that following this brief moment, the President proceeded to engage with members of the public outside the stage area, including the individual who had been restrained earlier.
The individual expressed great joy at meeting the President.
All images courtesy GCIS
