NY gala marks 25yrs of South African democracy

With the election less than two weeks away, South Africans around the
world are gearing up to vote.

This weekend South Africans abroad will have a chance to cast their ballot.

While in New York a gala event for a not-for-profit organization was a
moment to reflect on 25 years of change.

The foundation Shared Interest also paid tribute to individuals that
have positively impacted communities in South Africa since democracy
came to the country.

SABC's Nick Harper reports from New York.

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natsot - music
TAKE VO
A quarter century of social change and democracy in South Africa
celebrated at this New York gala.

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TAKE VO
The social investment fund Shared Interest was founded just after
Nelson Mandela was elected in 1994.
Since then its provided micro-lending to millions of people with no
access to banking services in disadvantaged communities. Tonight paid
tribute to those years of change.

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TAKE VO
Among the honorees was iconic playwright and actor, Dr. John Kani,
most recently appearing in the Marvel franchise as Black Panther's
father.

SOT - Dr. John Kani, Actor
"South Africa is only 25 years old. I sometimes say I too am 25 years
old. Allow me to have made a couple of mistakes, allow me to learn in
the process. Accept the fact that I'm a project in progress, I walk
wounded, I'm healing and self-counseling myself. So within that
context I have great hope and great admiration for where we find
ourselves."

TAKE VO
Social advocate Thuli Madonsela was presented with the Leadership for
Justice Award.

SOT - Thuli Madonsela, Advocate
"Today is definitely better than yesterday // People have more freedom
than they used to have, particularly political freedom and freedom of
movement. But having said that we haven't done well on equality,
poverty and to a certain extent hunger."

TAKE VO
Shared Interest has helped almost two and half million South Africans
in unbanked communities.
And in this its milestone 25th year the organization sees great
potential for the country.

SOT - Donna Katzin, Shared Interest
"We feel that South Africa is taking this moment in time to reclaim
the values that are most precious to the country, the values that were
part of the rights people worked so hard for."

TAKE VO
It's been a period of intense change and empowerment - for both the
organization and the country.

PTC - Nick Harper, New York
This event marked 25 years of change and democracy. The people here
are now looking to the election and beyond - what they see as a chance
for more change and more opportunity.
Nick Harper, SABC News, New York.

ENDS