It’s 27 years since South Africa held its first democratic elections.
27 April 1994, These were the first post-apartheid national elections to be held in South African where anyone could vote regardless of race.
On the first commemoration of the holiday, President Nelson Mandela addressed Parliament: “As dawn ushered in this day, the 27th of April, 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. And so we assemble here today, and in other parts of the country, to mark a historic day in the life of our nation. 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.”
Ambassador of Palestine to South Africa, HE Hanan Jarrar said, "As you celebrate Freedom Day, allow me to join you in remembering the great leaders who resisted domination and who fought for the liberation of this country South Africa. Let us remember that the price of freedom was bathed by generations of patriots. They watered the tree of liberty so you can enjoy fruit and stand under its shade today. Let us honour their memory."
Cabinet has called on everyone to use the Freedom Day celebrations to continue to fight COVID-19, while striving for greater inclusion and social cohesion.
“We all have the responsibility to use our democracy and freedom to work together and unite around a common agenda to build a united and prosperous South Africa,” said acting Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
This year, President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the celebrations under the theme “The year of Charlotte Maxeke: The meaning of freedom under COVID19”, in Botshabelo, Free State.
