In Other News - April 27 is Freedom Day

5 Ways to Celebrate Freedom Day

By Naledi Mokoena

On this day as a nation we unite to annually celebrate and acknowledge the history which gave birth to the democracy we now embrace in South Africa. This year's theme is “30 years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth,” in honour of the first democratic elections held in South Africa in 1994.

Ways To Celebrate Freedom Day

Freedom Park Heritage Site And Museum Amphitheatre

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Honourable Zizi Kodwa officially launched the 2024 Freedom Month, on 9 April at Freedom Park.

The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the government officially launched National Freedom Month in celebration of 30 years of Democracy on 9 April 2024, at the Freedom Park and Museum Amphitheatre. The DSAC also facilitated a dialogue surrounding 30 years of democracy with the participation of business representatives, labour society, the media and members in academia, aimed at discussing the challenges and triumphs within 3 decades of democracy.

Hosted in collaboration with Government Communications and Information System (GCIS), the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (GPSACR), announced the programmes for the month of April and throughout the year in addition the plans to unveil the 30 years of democracy official logo.

Youth Sme Exhibition

In honour of celebrating Freedom Day, South African SMMEs will showcase the pulse of the country’s heritage and innovation through their product and service offerings. On 26 April 2024, various organisations, the general public and different stakeholders are all welcome to celebrate this momentous day with the youth at Mary Fitzgerard in Newtown. In association with the Johannesburg Chamber and Commerce Industry (JCCI), the chamber is dedicated to promoting a business conducive environment, from every sector of the economy.

Iziko Museum South African Museum

Founded in 1825 the museum will commemorate Freedom Day with free entry to selected museums in Cape Town, in solidarity of 30 years of Freedom. These include BoKaap, Slave Lodge, South African Museum and the National Gallery, Koopmans de Wet House, Rust en Vreugd and Bertram House.

Vilakazi Street

Considered one of the most famous urban areas in Soweto, Johannesburg it is the only street in the world to produce two Nobel Prize winners - former President Nelson Mandela and Reverend Desmond Tutu. Madiba’s house, which is at the corner of Vilakazi Street, is a historic staple visited by thousands of tourists per year. Hire a tour guide and explore the surrounding neighbourhood with friends and family. In addition there are a variety of famous restaurants like Sakhumzi and Vuyos which specialise in South African Cuisine.

The 2024 Prescient Freedom Paddle

The 2024 Prescient Freedom Paddle is a 27-kilometre ocean-racing event set to take place on April 27, commemorating Freedom Day in South Africa. With Robben Island as its backdrop, this event is in its seventh consecutive year “Freedom Day holds immense significance for our country, and we are privileged to celebrate it in such close proximity to Robben Island, a prominent symbol of South Africa’s struggle for freedom,” - Robin Tindall, one of the event organisers.

The ocean paddling and rowing event is open to all human-powered paddle crafts that are seaworthy enough to complete the course, and for many of the competitors, the opportunity to paddle to, and around, Robben Island is a unique way to celebrate Freedom Day.

To enter, visit the entry page of the race website. The entry process offers different phases with significant discounts for early registrations. Phase 1, with an entry fee of R800 per paddler, opened on February 1st. The first R200 price increase will occur on March 1st. All short course entries are R250 per person. Entries will close on 14 April 2024.

The Emancipation of South Africa

For the first time in decades 19.7 million citizens were afforded the right to cast their votes during the first democratic election, for the political party of their choice.

The African National Congress (ANC) won the election with 62.65 percent of the votes on 25 May 1994, at the time led by the first black President Nelson Mandela. In spite of the political unrest at the time, communities from all walks of life casted their vote in a triumphant moment in history.

Interesting facts about Freedom Day

• Freedom Day was initially celebrated in 1995 in order to celebrate the actual day of the emancipation of the country.

• This momentous day led to a new foundation for human rights.

• The election was held over a three day period from April 26-29 in 1994

• A total of 19.7 million citizens of the 22. million eligible voters in the first national elections made their mark

• Prior to the election a transitional constitution was drafted in 1993, the final version which cemented our rights and freedom came into effect on 4 February in 1997.