DURBAN – South Africans must not let the slow pace of economic freedom underestimate their hard-won democracy, struggle veteran Mac Maharaj said on Friday.

He was a guest speaker at the Freedom Day celebrations in Inanda, Durban.

WATCH: Out with apartheid-era names and symbols

Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe and eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede were meant to attend but did not show up.

Maharaj urged South Africans not to take their freedom for granted.

Watch the interview with Maharaj above.

eNCA