Freedom Day, celebrated annually on April 27th, commemorates South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections in 1994. It is notable because it represents the end of over three centuries of colonialism, segregation, and white minority rule, as well as the foundation of a new democratic government led by Nelson Mandela, as well as a new state governed by a new constitution. The first non-racial elections were held as a result of years of struggle and a negotiated solution that resulted in the unbanning of liberation organizations, the release of political prisoners, the return of exiles, and official all-party negotiations that established an interim constitution.
The pivotal moment in South African history occurred after years of tense discussions between 1991 and 1992. These negotiations were attended by the South African government, the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Communist Party (SACP), and other liberation forces.
The 1994 election opened the stage for the country to enter a new democratic era and adopt a new constitution. The elections were held in a cheerful and calm setting, despite warnings of political violence.
In the 1994 national election, 19.7 million of South Africa’s 22.7 million eligible voters cast ballots. The ANC won the election with 62.65% of the vote. The National Party (NP) garnered 20.39% of the vote, followed by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) with 10.54%, the Freedom Front (FF) with 2.2%, the Democratic Party (DP) with 1.7%, the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) with 1.2%, and the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) with 0.5%. Despite receiving a majority vote, the ANC formed the Government of National Unity, led by ANC President Nelson Mandela, who became the country’s first democratically elected President.
“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,” President Mandela said on the first anniversary of South Africa’s non-racial elections. Our hearts beat as one, wherever South Africans are in the world, as we reassert our mutual loyalty to our nation and our dedication to its future. Like any other, the formation of our South African nation was a long and often traumatic process. The ultimate objective of a better life is still unattainable. On this day, you, the people, gained control of your fate. Nothing would stop you from exercising your hard-won right to vote for the government of your choice. Your perseverance, discipline, and single-mindedness have made you a legend around the world…”
How did South Africa get its Fredom Day?
South Africans from all walks of life voted in the first democratic elections on April 27, 1994. This came after many years of black people in South Africa being denied the right to vote. As a result, this day marked a significant democratic breakthrough in the country’s history.
