South Africans celebrate their “Freedom Day” every April 27, when they remember their country's pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid.

Cape Town

South Africans commemorated "Freedom Day," a pivotal moment in the nation’s history marking the anniversary of the first democratic election on April 27, 1994. This election, a landmark in South Africa's journey, was instrumental in heralding the end of apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination.

The country celebrated 30 years of democracy, reflecting on the progress made since the end of apartheid. The current President of South Africa remarked on the significant strides the country has taken, stating that South Africa is in a better place now compared to three decades ago. He underscored the economic growth and the doubling of employment figures since 1994, attributing these achievements to the national efforts toward rebuilding and development.

Despite the significant economic and social progress, the celebration of this year's Freedom Day was tempered by challenges such as high crime rates and unemployment. The President, in his speech, acknowledged that while the nation has seen substantial growth, there remains a long road ahead in addressing issues related to education, equality, social development, and basic services. The emphasis was on the ongoing need for improvement and the collective responsibility to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

This year's Freedom Day held a particular significance as it came at a time when the political landscape is experiencing shifts. The African National Congress (ANC), the party that led South Africa out of apartheid and into democracy, faces uncertainties regarding its majority governance in the upcoming national election. This situation marked a stark contrast from the overwhelming support the ANC received in the 1994 elections, highlighting changes in the political dynamics of the country.

In summarizing the mood of Freedom Day, it was noted that the day has evolved into one of political motivation, with South Africans reflecting on the journey from apartheid to democracy. The sentiment expressed was a call to action, for intentions to move beyond mere celebration towards creating a more just and equitable society for all South Africans.



South Africa celebrates 'Freedom Day'

It's freedom day in South Africa. The country is celebrating 30 years of democracy and the end of apartheid. Well, three decades on, the president has said that South Africa is in a better place than it was three decades ago. Well, to speak more on today's festivities, we can cross over to Eunice Manson, who is our correspondent in South Africa. Eunice, tell us what the feeling is in South Africa today. That is a question many ask today, to be honest. 30 years ago today, the South African flag symbolizing democracy in our country was hoisted for the very first time, and it signified a new era, led by who we know, the late former President Nelson Mandela. But celebrating this new era today, three decades on, is unfortunately overshadowed by an array of challenges, varying from high crime rates to low rates of employment. And to commemorate this freedom day, President Sorora Mapoza highlighted economic and employment growth in the country. He said the economy has tripled in size since 1994, and also that employment increased from 8 million to over 16 million. But that is, of course, also an indication of a growing population. Nonetheless, changes have been made in the country, and one would be ignorant not to acknowledge those changes. But what was also evident in the president's speech is him repeating this phrase of, we still have a long way to go in regards to education, equality, social development and basic services. And I think that is more or less the majority feel in the country today on freedom day. People are not sure what exactly they are celebrating. And it really has become a political motivated day. However, this year's freedom day is also different in the sense that, for the first time, the very party that led us into this new era of freedom is not certain of its majority governance after the national election that is scheduled for next month. In 1994, the ANC received 62 percent of the national vote, but that support has already declined in the previous elections. All in all, it is important to reflect on a day such as today, but where we come from, post-apartheid to democracy, and perhaps be more intentional in our actions to create a freedom that not only serves a few, but actually every South African, really. Eunice Manson, thank you so much for joining us and thank you for your analysis.

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