What is Freedom Day and why is it important?
Freedom Day is a public holiday intended for the commemoration of the first-ever democratic elections in South Africa on 27 April 1994.
The day marked the first time when anyone could vote regardless of their race. The first elections in 1994 gave birth to our constitutional democracy and political freedom since the majority of South Africans had never voted prior to that day.
It also marks South Africa’s liberation from 300 years of colonialism, political oppression, prejudice, and apartheid.
On the day, 19.7 million people voted.
Five facts about Freedom Day
- The 1994 elections were the first non-racial elections when every South African citizen, 18 years old and above, could vote for any political party of their choice.
- This year’s Freedom Day marks the 27th year since the first-ever democratic elections in South Africa.
- Freedom Day was celebrated first in South Africa in 1995.
- The African National Congress won the first democratic elections in South Africa.
- Nelson Mandela was South Africa’s first democratically elected President.
How to celebrate Freedom Day
Celebrating Freedom Day is all about celebrating the country’s history and honouring all those who fought for the liberation of South Africans. Here are a few ways you can celebrate the day in South Africa:
- Visit Constitution Hill: The former prison complex in Johannesburg is now a museum and home to the country’s Constitutional Court that endorses the rights of all citizens and is rich in historical artefacts.
- Visit Robben Island: Rich with a 500-year-old layered history, it is historically a place of detention of many political prisoners during the anti-apartheid struggle.
- Visit the Apartheid Museum: The museum illustrates what life was like for Africans under the apartheid regime through photographs, videos, and artefacts.
