Gogo recalls the significance of 94′ elections in comparison to 2024
Despite their lack of voting experience, they were just happy that their voices would finally be heard.
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections, and these past 30 years have been a time of significant change, filled with both achievements and challenges.
In April, 1994, black South Africans voted in general elections for the first-time following centuries of white domination. This signalled the formal end of apartheid.
These 1994 elections were the first in which all citizens of all races were allowed to participate.
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Reflecting on the day she first voted, 73-year-old, Akhona Maqalekane told Urban News that April 27, 1994, was a very significant day for her and all other black South Africans because it was their first-time voting.
Despite their lack of voting experience, they were just happy that their voices would finally be heard.
“It seems like yesterday when I think back on that day. There were a lot of people waiting in line to cast their votes.
“I remember going door to door to remind people that it was indeed voting day.
“That was an exciting day, especially for those of us black South Africans who suffered through apartheid. That day was one of the most memorable days of our lives,” she said.
She added that when she cast her first vote in 1994, her desire was to see all South Africans, black, white, coloured and Indian, being treated equally and given equal access to opportunities.
Since 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) has been dominating South Africa’s politics as the ruling party.
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Maqalekane believes that the African National Congress (ANC) has done a respectable job of leading the country and meeting the needs of its people, despite the political party’s inability to fulfil all of its pledges.
She said, “I think the party has done well given all of the acts of the last few years of government.
“I know that not everyone will be satisfied, but people who are aware of our history and where we come from appreciate the little that the government has been able to offer to the general public.”
Maqalekane further stated that before 1994, she never imagined that children in South Africa would have access to free education and that everyone would live in equality regardless of the colour of their skin.
