5 Freedom Day Activities

Good South Africans know our history! Freedom Day is around the corner, and it’s an important day in our country’s journey to democracy. On 27 April we commemorate the day our country held its first democratic elections in 1994.

To remember this historic day respectfully, try our list of activities that entertain while educating :

1. Watch movies about South African history

• Sarafina! is one of the most popular and most-loved movies that show the pain that black South Africans went through to win the freedom that we now enjoy.
• Long Walk to Freedom tells the story of one of the most well-known and respected South Africans, Nelson Mandela. It’s based on the 1995 autobiographical book by the former South African President.
• Winnie Mandela chronicles the life of the anti-apartheid activist from her childhood through to her husband’s incarceration.
• Action Kommandant shares the untold story of slain liberation fighter Ashley Kriel, known as the “Che Guevara of the Cape Flats”.
• Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu traces this struggle icon’s journey from an ordinary schoolboy to activist and freedom fighter.

2. Museums to visit

• Start your Freedom Day weekend by visiting the sculpture at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. The sculpture was erected in 2012 to mark the 50-year anniversary of what became known as Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom.
• Vilakazi Street in Soweto is one of South Africa’s most famous streets, known for its history, township heritage and vibrant spirit, as well as for being the home of two Nobel laureates: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
• Robben Island is where Mandela spent 18 years of his 27-year prison sentence. Guided tours are conducted by former political prisoners who are fully knowledgeable about the island’s 500-year history. Along with being a World Heritage Site, Robben Island is also a protected natural ecosystem just a ferry ride from Cape Town.

3. Read a book by a South African author

• Nadine Gordimer, the South African writer and political activist, was awarded the 1991 Nobel Prize for Literature. Burger’s Daughter and July’s People are two of her most notable books.
• Look at books by black consciousness authors who tell powerful stories about life in the township during apartheid. Like Call Me Not a Manby Mtutuzeli Matshoba, In the Fog of the Season’s End by Alex La Guma and Fools and Other Stories by Njabulo S Ndebele.

• For something more contemporary, read Born a Crime: Stories of a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah, renowned South African humorist and TV presenter. It’s a comedic autobiography about growing up during the apartheid era.

4. Listen to iconic South African music.

• Music has always played an important role in South African celebrations and events. The song “Thuma Mina” (Send Me) by Hugh Masekela gives a moving message of commitment and altruism.
• Another legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba, also known as Mama Afrika, was famous for “The Click Song” and “Pata Pata” – which create a great atmosphere when celebrating the history of South Africa.

5. Register to vote

Freedom Day is first and foremost a reminder about our country’s first democratic elections. With this spotlight on everyone’s right to vote, make sure you are exercising this right. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) online voter registration has begun for the 2024 provincial and national elections and South Africans are encouraged to register here.

Freedom Day is also a significant day in South Africa’s history – a turning point in our history that needs to be recognised. Whether you spend the day watching historical movies, visiting heritage sites or appreciating local artists, it’s Important to go all the way back to South Africa’s roots – not only to remember the dark history and wrongs of the past, but also to celebrate just how far we’ve come as a nation in building bridges to ensure a better future for everyone.