Freedom Day

Freedom Day on 27 April commemorates the day in 1994 when the first democratic elections were held in South Africa. Freedom Day celebrates the liberation of South Africa and it’s people from over 300 years of apartheid and colonialism and the establishment of a new democratic government led by Nelson Mandela.

Speaking at the first anniversary of South Africa’s non-racial elections President Mandela said;

“As dawn ushered in this day, the 27th of April 1995, few of us could suppress the welling of emotion, as we were reminded of the terrible past from which we come as a nation; the great possibilities that we now have; and the bright future that beckons us. Wherever South Africans are across the globe, our hearts beat as one, as we renew our common loyalty to our country and our commitment to its future. The birth of our South African nation has, like any other, passed through a long and often painful process. The ultimate goal of a better life has yet to be realised. On this day, you, the people, took your destiny into your own hands. You decided that nothing would prevent you from exercising your hard-won right to elect a government of your choice. Your patience, your discipline, your single-minded purposefulness have become a legend throughout the world…”

See more at: http://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/freedom-day-celebrated-south-africa#sthash.sf8YWt5U.dpuf