Freedom Day 2021
27 April
Freedom Day is the commemoration of the first democratic elections held in South Africa on 27 April 1994. These were the first post-apartheid national elections to be held in South African where anyone could vote regardless of race.
The first democratic elections on 27 April 1994 gave birth to our constitutional democracy. For the majority of South Africans who had never voted before their dignity was restored and the country transformed to a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society.
Why is Freedom Day so important to South Africans?
Apartheid was implemented in South Africa in 1948. Under this brutal system, indigenous people of colour weren't allowed to vote and this essentially excluded them from having any political say and influence.
Freedom Day offers the opportunity to honour those who fought for the country's liberation. The first democratic election of 1994 saw Nelson Mandela and the ANC (African National Congress) win the election. Nelson Mandela became the first Black president of the country on 9 May 1994.
