Breaking Free: A Celebration of Freedom Day

By Nompumelelo Mculu

Freedom Day is an important public holiday in South Africa that commemorates the country’s first non-racial democratic election in 1994, that signalled the end of apartheid, and beginning of a new era of freedom and democracy. This holiday is celebrated every year on April 27^th, and serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that were made to achieve this historic moment in South African history.

Freedom is a fundamental right, awarded to every human being, but its meaning differs from one society to another. In South Africa, “freedom means liberation from the shackles of segregation, discrimination, and inequality. It means having an equal chance to pursue life, liberty, and happiness regardless of race, language, or culture” (Layne, n.d.).

The significance of celebrating this special day, lies in keeping the memory of the struggle alive, and acknowledging the progress made towards the attainment of freedom. It reminds us of the courage and resilience of the leaders of the anti-apartheid movement, and the sacrifices they made to bring about change. It is also a time wherein we reflect on the challenges that still exist, and work towards achieving a more equitable society for all.

In addition to national celebrations, communities across South Africa organize their unique Freedom Day commemorations. These can range from school activities such as debates, and essay writing contests, to community clean-up campaigns and marches.

South Africa has made significant strides towards building a democratic society that upholds the principles of freedom, equality and justice “Key achievements include the establishment of a democratic government, significant investments in education and healthcare, and the creation of policies aimed at addressing past injustices” (Rights, 2021).