The government has rejected claims that the National Freedom Day celebrations in Bloemfontein were disrupted.
It said no security threat emerged and nobody tried to harm President Cyril Ramaphosa or Minister Gayton McKenzie.
Ramaphosa’s Freedom Day address at the Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium briefly drew attention on Monday when an attendee approached him and McKenzie on stage.
Security officers quickly intervened.
Acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said the incident involved an over-excited supporter and did not interrupt the event.
She said Ramaphosa continued engaging with the crowd afterwards.
Government rejects reports of Freedom Day disruption
Mnukwa said government was concerned by misleading reports claiming an individual disrupted the National Freedom Day celebrations after briefly going onto the stage towards President Cyril Ramaphosa and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie.
“Government wishes to clarify that these reports are incorrect and may overstate the nature of the incident.”
Mnukwa said organisers had already completed the formal programme when the incident happened.
Performers had started the cultural entertainment segment, and Ramaphosa stood on stage with dignitaries, enjoying the celebrations.
She said members of the public, including many children, waited in an orderly manner outside the main stage area for a chance to greet the president.
‘No threat’ to the president
Mnukwa said one man, visibly excited, moved onto the stage to greet Ramaphosa and McKenzie.
Security personnel immediately restrained him in line with normal procedures.
“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,” she said.
Mnukwa said the brief incident did not disrupt the official programme.
She said Ramaphosa then continued to greet members of the public outside the stage area, including the same individual, who expressed joy after meeting him.
Mnukwa urged the public and media to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could cause unnecessary alarm.
