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South Africa Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Freedom Day

16:10, 27 April 2024
On Saturday, South Africa observes Freedom Day, a national holiday celebrated on April 27 each year. It commemorates the country's first post-apartheid elections, which were held on this day in 1994. The elections were the first non-racial national elections in which anyone of voting age over 18, regardless of race, was allowed to vote.
Sputnik
Todayy marks the anniversary of the first post-apartheid democratic, non-racial elections held on this date in 1994, in which Nelson Mandela was elected as the country's first black head of state and its first democratically elected president. Previously, under the apartheid regime, non-whites had limited voting rights.
It is an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on their history, celebrate the achievements of their democracy, and look forward to the future.
The day is marked by various events, including speeches by political leaders, rallies, concerts, cultural events and parades.
Take a look at Sputnik's photo gallery dedicated to the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Freedom Day in South Africa!
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South African President Cyril President delivers a speech as he attends Freedom Day celebrations in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday April 27, 2024. The day marks April 27 when the country held pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
© AP Photo / Themba Hadebe
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Zulu dancers pose for a photograph on Soweto's Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, April 27, 2024 as the country celebrates Freedom Day. The day marks April 27 when the country held pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid. (AP Photo)
© AP Photo
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A protester holds up a poster as he attends Freedom Day celebrations in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday April 27, 2024. The day marks April 27 when the country held pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
© AP Photo / Themba Hadebe
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People attend Freedom Day celebrations in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday April 27, 2024. The day marks April 27 when the country held pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
© AP Photo / Themba Hadebe
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The National Ceremonial Guard line up for the 21 gun salute during the Freedom Day celebrations in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday, April 27, 2024. The day marks April 27 when the country held pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid.
© AP Photo / Themba Hadebe
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A child kicks a football in front of a mural of Nelson Mandela, in Soweto, South Africa, as the country celebrates Freedom Day. Saturday, April 27, 2024.The day marks April 27 when the country held pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid.
© AP Photo
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Zulu dancers prepare to perform on Soweto's Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, April 27, 2024 as the country celebrates Freedom Day. The day marks April 27 when the country held pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid.
© AP Photo
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People attend Freedom Day celebrations in Pretoria, South Africa, Saturday April 27, 2024. The day marks April 27 when the country held pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid.
© AP Photo / Themba Hadebe
FeaturesNelson MandelaSouth AfricapoliticsSouthern Africaapartheidanti-apartheid struggle