5 Ways to Honour Freedom Day

By Jessie Taylor

Freedom Day is celebrated annually on 27 April and marks the first democratic elections held in South Africa in 1994. These elections were the first time that all South Africans, regardless of race, could cast a vote. Of South Africa’s 22.7 million eligible voters, 19.7 million voted in the 1994 national election.

The first democratic election marked the end of apartheid, as well as more than 300 years of colonialism and segregation. Following the elections, a new democratic government was established, led by the ANC.

1. Prepare For The Provincial And National Elections

This year, South Africa will hold its seventh national and provincial election. According to the Independent Electoral Commission, this year could see the highest number of votes cast since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, with more than 27.79 million voters eligible to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

Freedom Day is an excellent opportunity to educate yourself, your friends and your family on the upcoming voting process, as well as the political parties that will be up for election. This year's election will, for the first time, see South African voters receiving ballots instead of only two ballots due to recent changes in legislation. This will allow independent candidates to run for election.

2. Promote Non-Racialism

Celebrate Freedom Day by supporting an organisation that promotes non-racialism in society, one of the founding ideas of democracy. One of the organisations carrying out this important work is the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. The Foundation was formed in 2008 to continue the antiapartheid struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada's legacy as an independent, non-partisan entity. Kathrada, a former Robben Island prisoner, served 26 years in jail for his opposition to the apartheid government. Throughout his life, he showed a commitment to the values and principles of the South African liberation struggle.

The Foundation runs various programmes, many aimed at the youth to promote the values, rights and principles enshrined in the Freedom Charter and the Constitution.

3. Remember Liberation Heroes

of people, mobilised by some of our struggle icons. You can see these icons in life-size sculptures at the Long March to Freedom exhibition, which is currently on display in Cape Town.

Considered the world’s greatest exhibition in bronze, the exhibition of 100 life-size bronze sculptures of liberation tells the story of the country’s 350-year journey to freedom and democracy. Among those represented in the sculpture are Hons. Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Desmond Tutu, Miriam Makeba, King Moshoeshoe and King Shaka.

4. Focus On The First President

Nelson Mandela headed up South Africa's first democratic government and is renowned for his role in negotiations that led to the first democratic elections. This Freedom Day is an ideal time to learn more about Madiba, his lifetime, and his legacy.

The 1994 elections brought closure to around 300 years of colonialism, segregation and apartheid. This oppression was fought by thousands

Visit one of the many monuments dedicated to him, including the Nelson Mandela Capture Site outside Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, his home in Soweto, the statute of Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings, or the Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha in the Easter Cape.

5. Understanding Oppression

Our democracy emerged from hundreds of years of oppression, and understanding the experience of those who lived during colonialism and apartheid can help deepen our appreciation of our freedom.

To learn about our country's history, visit Robben Island, where political prisoners such as Nelson Mandela were held. Robben Island has a 500-year-old multi-layered history. It is visited annually by thousands of people eager to understand and honour South Africa’s history. Alternatively, take a trip to the Apartheid Musuem.

The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. The exhibits include provocative film footage, photographs, text panels and artefacts illustrating the events and human stories that are part of this painful period in our history.

Source: SA News, IEC, ITH, African Travel Canvas, Long March to Freedom