South Africa remembers an historic election every April 27, Freedom Day

Every April 27th, South Africans commemorate Freedom Day, marking the historic 1994 election that ended apartheid and introduced democracy to the nation. This day celebrates the moment when Nelson Mandela, freshly released from 27 years in prison, was elected as South Africa’s first Black president. The election was a pivotal turning point, facilitated by F.W. de Klerk’s unbanning of anti-apartheid parties, which led to Mandela’s release and candidacy. The 1994 elections, conducted over four days to manage the massive turnout, symbolized a profound shift as millions voted, transitioning South Africa from international isolation to a celebrated democracy. Now, 30 years later, as South Africa faces deep socio-economic challenges including a high unemployment rate and persistent inequality, the ANC may lose its parliamentary majority in the upcoming election in May, reflecting the public’s growing desire for change and improvement beyond what has been achieved since 1994.

Source: NPR