Page 8 - SA Chamber UK Newsletter April 2024

OPINION
FREEDOM DAY

By Gayle Adlam

The 27th of April marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections.

The day celebrates freedom and commemorates the first post-apartheid elections held on
that day in 1994.

This election marked the end of over 300 years of colonialism, segregation and white minority
rule and the establishment of a new democratic government led by Nelson Mandela. The first
elections followed years of struggle and a negotiated settlement which led to the unbanning
of the liberation organisations, the release of political prisoners and the return of exiles.
The commemoration of this milestone is among the most important events in South Africa’s
history.

Freedom Day honours those unsung heroes and heroines who fought for our freedom and
paved the way for an equal, representative, non-racial nation.

The day also provides an opportunity a time to reflect on South Africa’s Constitution which is
widely regarded as the most progressive Constitution in the world, with a Bill of Rights second
to none.

Here are five facts about Freedom Day that every South African should know:

1. Freedom Day was first celebrated in 1995 and has since been celebrated annually
on 27 April.

2. The elections were the first non-racial national elections where everyone of voting age,
18 or over, from any race group was allowed to vote.

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SA CHAMBER UK NEWSLETTER APRIL 2024