Freedom Day in South Africa

What is Freedom Day

Freedom Day commemorates the inauguration of a new true democracy after more than three centuries of slavery, inequality, and white minority tyranny.

Freedom Day - All Quick Overview

• Time/Date: April 27
• Category: Federal
• Where it’s Marked: South Africa
• Why it’s Marked: The day recalls and recognizes the day in 1994 that saw the first post-apartheid democracy.

History of Freedom Day 

Sectarianism was first enacted in South Africa in 1948, but imperialism and subjugation of the country's African majority had been problems since the 1600s. The commencement of colonization in South Africa occurred in 1652, with the landing and founding of the Dutch outpost on the Cape. The British and Boer administrations succeeded the Dutch. They ruled the country as agents of the Dutch East India Company.

Indigenous racial minorities in South Africa have been forbidden the opportunity to vote during the horrific Apartheid era. As a result, they had no voice in how the nation was governed politically. During Segregation, most South Africans were denied the right to political authority or influence. Colonialists stole their property, violated their rights, and forced them to institutionalize racism and mass executions.

Freedom Day commemorates people who sacrificed their lives to fight for an independent nation and the numerous men and women under Apartheid. They endured imprisonment, exclusion, and brutality in defense of the powerless.

The country's first parliamentary election was held on Wednesday, April 27, 1994. The quasi-election featured 19 parties, and 19.7 thousand individuals cast ballots nationwide. All ethnicities in the nation were allowed to cast their initial votes for their chosen leader.

 The election atmosphere was euphoric and joyful, alleviating worries about violent extremism. The African National Congress (ANC) won 62.65% of the vote. On May 10, the charismatic head of the party, Nelson Mandela, took the oath of office as the nation's first black president.

How to Celebrate Freedom Day 

The current president kicks off the nation's Freedom Day celebrations. Ceremonial festivities, music festivals, and more are on the schedule for the day. The Freedom Day celebrations package is broadcasted on all major news outlets and every presidential and governmental digital site. Only accredited journalists have access to the stadium.

Much of the Freedom Day celebrations were also picked up by Twitter and Google, which helped spread the news and celebration all across the country and worldwide as well. People showed empathy towards Nelson Mandela by posting pictures and quotes all over the internet throughout South Africa and globally. 

Countries that Observe Freedom Day

There are various ways the international community of South African citizens has decided to celebrate Freedom Day outside the borders of South Africa. Some of the courses include cultural programs and concerts in the embassies of the countries in which South Africa is located. Some international communities congratulating South Africa on this day include India, the United States of America, and Belgium. 

Another way of celebrating Freedom Day is for students worldwide to gather from South Africa in their respective organizations and occasionally be observed to express their thoughts and emotions on Freedom Day. It has eventually helped them to heal from the current state of their situation as well as serves as one of the most lucrative ways one can celebrate the occasion of Freedom Day.

Interesting Facts about Freedom Day 

Freedom Day is a significant festival that honors the nation's history and the founding of democracies, making it substantially more than another day off from work. Here are some Freedom Day facts that each citizen should be aware of.

• The inaugural Freedom Day was observed in 1995. 
• In reality, there were three days dedicated to the election. 
• Current South Africa is credited to Nelson Mandela. 
• Non-white people formerly had restricted voting rights under the oppressive dictatorship. 
• Numerous South Africans have sought to correct past injustices since they were granted democratic freedom. 
• Numerous organizations and radical organizations, such as the UN Freedom, condemn the South African government for the absence of autonomy in the nation even after emancipation.
• There are still many problems that South Africans must deal with, including misogyny, xenophobia, poverty, and criminality.
• The Bill of Rights declares that everyone has an innate recognition of the right to have that integrity upheld and preserved in connection to Freedom Day.
• Unfreedom Day is a variation of Freedom Day that some organizations and revolutionary movements observe to lament the continued lack of liberty endured by the poor.

Unique Freedom Day Celebration Ideas

A significant milestone for the entire world, not just for South Africans. Here are things connected to art, film, food, philosophy, or music that can be done at residence to evoke the spirit of Freedom Day. These concepts may also serve as inspiration for future events. 

• Think about inclusivity foremost. 
• Play authentic South African music. 
• Get a South African author's book and read it. 
• Get a South African author's book and read it.  
• Watch these two movies follow in the footprints of Mandela. (i) Mandela: Long Road to Freedom, (ii) Invictus
• Participate in local and federal elections to eliminate inequities. 
• Prepare traditional food and a South African wine to complement it.
• Have conversations with people of color and confront racism actively. 

Freedom Day Quotes

The quotations from renowned personalities reflect the country's critical situation and the people's hopes and dreams.

“We have moved from an era of pessimism, division, limited opportunities, turmoil and conflict. We are starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation building. We are one nation.” - Nelson Mandela

“Let us in all humility remember that we of this age and hour are not the first and only ones who have struggled for the liberation of the people of our land, and it behooves us to recall the men and women who, in defence of freedom, sacrificed most devotedly.” - Albert Luthuli

 “We are fighting for our land, and that land is still in the hands of the oppressor. In other words the struggle can’t stop until we attain our goal.” - Clarence Makwetu

FAQ

1. How many people voted in the first election?

Anyone over 18 who could have cast a ballot on that day did so in 87% of cases. About 19.7 million people, to be exact.

2. Why is there a Freedom Day?

Once the Dutch from the Netherlands established the first settlement in Cape Town, colonialism in South Africa officially began.

3. What does ‘Apartheid’ stand for?

The original meaning of the word in Afrikaans is ‘separateness.’

4. Who is Nelson Mandela?

Nelson Mandela was the first democratically elected black president of South Africa.