South African Freedom day
Apr 28, 2017
23 years of democracy
By Owen Wagabaza
Twenty-three years ago, South Africans held their first democratic election, ending decades of sanctioned racial oppression under the apartheid system on April 27.
According to the South African government's official website, Freedom Day is significant because it "marks the end of over three hundred years of colonialism, segregation and white minority rule and the establishment of a new democratic government led by Nelson Mandela and a new state, subject to a new constitution."
The holding of the first non-racial elections was the culmination of years of struggle and a negotiated settlement, which led to liberation organisations being unbanned, political prisoners released and the return of exiles, as well as all-party negotiations to draft an interim Constitution.
This change in South African history came after long, tense negotiations in 1991 and 1992, among the South African government, the African National Congress, the South African Communist Party and other liberation movements, culminating into the 1994 elections.
Indeed, for many South Africans, Freedom Day brings back memories of the euphoria of 1994, when all races lined up to cast their ballots together, for the first time.
Nobel peace laureate Desmond Tutu said the day felt like "falling in love". FW de Klerk, apartheid South Africa's last president, described the day as "our proudest moment as South Africans".
On the first anniversary, legendary freedom icon Nelson 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 we now have, and the bright future that beckons us."
However, 23 years on, South Africa is counting both the gains and failures of the democratic era. While the country boasts a strong constitution, an independent judiciary and is probably Africa's most developed country, the orange nation has lately been in the news for the wrong reasons, with her successes tainted by mismanagement and high level corruption, blamed largely on the ANC-led administration.
Indeed, contrary to the previous years when the day was celebrated with pomp all over the country, this year's Freedom day was celebrated with protests and matches against President Jacob Zuma's government.
The protests, which were organised in different cities, were aimed at putting pressure on President Jacob Zuma to step down, on grounds that the country was facing a serious crisis.
However, since 1994, South Africans have strived to correct the wrongs of the past. Though challenges still remain in the Orange nation, Freedom Day gives South Africans the opportunity to make a pledge towards fighting against these challenges as well as renewing their loyalty to the country and their commitment to its future.
ADVERTISER