Freedom Day

Freedom Day History

Freedom Day commemorates the country's first democratic, non-racial elections that took place in 1994. The day symbolizes the end of over three centuries of colonialism and apartheid, which systematically oppressed and discriminated against non-white South Africans. It is a time to celebrate the country's hard-earned freedom and the strides made to foster unity and promote social cohesion.

The roots of Freedom Day lie in the long struggle against apartheid, a policy of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the South African government from 1948 to 1994. The culmination of this struggle was the landmark event on April 27, 1994, when citizens of all races were allowed to vote for the first time in the country's history. Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black president of South Africa, marking a new era of democracy and equal rights for all citizens. The day highlights the importance of protecting and upholding human rights, honoring the sacrifices made by countless South Africans in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and equality.

Freedom Day is commemorated with various events held across the country, including speeches by government officials, cultural performances, and parades. The celebrations serve as a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to protect and promote the rights and democratic values enshrined in the country's Constitution, ensuring that the struggles of the past are never forgotten, and that the nation continues to strive for a society that is truly free, equal, and united. Freedom Day is observed annually on April 27th.

Freedom Day Facts & Quotes

• Of South Africa’s 22.7 million eligible voters, 19.7 million or 87%, voted in the 1994 national election.
• Nelson Mandela is considered the father of Modern South Africa for the instrumental role that he played in establishing a democracy and ending the oppressive rule of the white minority.
• One of the first acts that the National Party passed in 1949 at the start of the Apartheid regime was the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act, which outlawed marriage between people of different races.
• To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. - Nelson Mandela
• As dawn ushered in this day, the 27th of April 1995, few of us could suppress the welling of emotion, as we were reminded of the terrible past from which we come as a nation; the great possibilities that we now have; and the bright future that beckons us. Wherever South Africans are across the globe, our hearts beat as one, as we renew our common loyalty to our country and our commitment to its future. - Nelson Mandela (on the first anniversary of the elections)
• Freedom Day commemorates the first non-racial democratic elections held in 1994, where all South Africans were allowed to vote for the first time. The elections marked the end of apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the National Party government since 1948.

In the News and Trending for Freedom Day

Freedom Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Watch a movie about apartheid in South Africa to further understand why the nation celebrates its freedom. Some of our favourites are Invictus (2009), Goodbye Bafana (2007), Cry Freedom (1987) and Skin (2008)
• Spread awareness on social media about the importance of freedom using hashtags such as #freedomday, #freedom and #electmandela.
• Attend the Concert of Hope in Cape Town. The concert runs on Freedom Day and showcases music and dance from the country's artists.
• Take a trip to Franschhoek. This is the nearest location to where Mandela spent his last days incarcerated. It is now a National Heritage site and boasts a statue of Mandela.
• Celebrate progressive South Africa with a braai. A braai is a South African BBQ. Invite people of different racial, religious and political backgrounds and celebrate the Rainbow Nation. Try grilling local meats and making dishes such as antelope, boerewors, bobotie, chakalaka and pap.