Freedom Day 2021

Freedom Day is a day of respect and commemoration. Celebrated on the 27th of April each year, Freedom Day honours the anniversary of South Africa’s first non-racial election of 1994 and pays homage to the country’s liberation from Apartheid rule, where the minority exercised prejudice political power over the majority of the country.

South Africa celebrates Freedom Day to mark the liberation of our country and its people from 300 years of colonialism, minority domination, politically enforced prejudice and Apartheid.

History

Apartheid was officially implemented in South Africa in 1948; however, colonialism and oppression of the African majority had plagued various countries throughout the African continent since as early as the 1600s.

Under the brutal Apartheid rule, indigenous people of colour in South Africa were denied the right to vote and hence did not have a say in the political governing and running of the country. During Apartheid, the majority of South Africans were excluded from any form of political power or influence.

Freedom Day honours those who fought for our country’s liberation, and the many men and women who suffered through incarceration, bannings and torture on behalf of the oppressed during Apartheid.

On Wednesday, 27 April 1994, the nation cast its vote in the first democratic election. For the first time, all races in the country were allowed to vote for a government of their choice. Nineteen political parties participated in the non-racial election, and 19.7 million people across the country voted.

The African National Congress (ANC) won the election with 62.65% of the vote, and the party’s frontman, the revered Nelson Mandela became the first black president of the country on the 10th of May. Contrary to fears of political violence, the election took place in a festive and celebratory atmosphere.

Lesson

Freedom Day therefore serves as a reminder to us that the guarantee of our freedom requires us to remain permanently vigilant against corruption and the erosion of the values of the Freedom Struggle and to build an active citizenry that will work towards wiping out the legacy of racism, inequality and the promotion of the rights embodied in our constitution.

It is a reminder to appreciate what we have as a nation, as our freedom fighters fought hard for what we have today, and to never take things for granted! Especially with the current Covid situation, witnessing how everything can change so quickly should be a reminder, to be grateful.

It is also a reminder of the legacy left behind by Nelson Mandela and his comrades, the unsung heroes who stood with him during trial (I encourage everyone to read about them and their stories too, as we are so lucky to have such role models). The legacy of forgiveness, for Nelson Mandela taught us that when you start forgiving others, you start freeing yourself!

“Forgiveness liberates the soul, it removes fear. That’s why it’s such a powerful weapon.”
-Nelson Mandela