WATCH: What is Freedom Day?

Freedom Day on 27 April is an annual celebration of South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections of 1994.

The official definition is, “An annual celebration of South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections of 1994. It is significant because it marks the end of over 300 years of colonialism, segregation and white minority rule and the establishment of a new democratic government led by Nelson Mandela and a new state subject to a new constitution.”

Freedom Day also has been described as, “A time to reflect on the strides we have made in achieving the vision of a better life for all”.

What goes with Freedom Day:

• The national flag – It was designed by Fred Brownell, a former South African State Herald, and first used on 27 April, 1994. It’s said the design and colours are a synopsis of principal elements of the country’s flag history.

• The national anthem – “In terms of section 4 of the Constitution of South Africa 108 of 1996, and following a proclamation in the Government Gazette No 18341 (dated 10 October 1997), a shortened, combined version of Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika and The Call of South Africa is now the national anthem of South Africa”.

National symbols:

• National Coat of Arms – South Africa’s Coat of Arms was launched on Freedom Day, 27 April 2000. Government says “The change reflected our aim to highlight the democratic change in South Africa and a new sense of patriotism”.

• National animal – The Springbok

• National bird – The blue crane

• National fish – The Galjoen

• National flower – The giant or King Protea

• National tree – The real yellowwood tree

Government calls on all South Africans to join in celebrating national Freedom Day and to extend celebrations of democracy across the country in reflecting on the achievements made as a nation.

Follow social media via the following tags #FreedomMonth or #FreedomDay or share us your local Freedom Day celebrations via e-mail to randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za.