Freedom Day on 27 April is declared a public holiday by the South African government to be an annual celebration of South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections of 1994.

Freedom Day is further described by the government “As being 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.

“This is a time to reflect on the strides we have made in achieving the vision of a better life for all. Undoubtedly much has changed since 1994 and there has been progress in every sphere of society, but we are aware that more must still be done.

“Freedom Day 2015 falls on the 60th anniversary of the historic adoption of the Freedom Charter in Kliptown, Soweto. The values as espoused in the Freedom Charter still hold true and they are an overall vision for a non-racial and democratic society and many of its values are embedded in the Constitution. President Zuma will address the nation at the Freedom Day celebrations on Monday, 27 April 2015 at Union Buildings Grounds in Pretoria.

“Government calls on all South Africans to join in celebrating national Freedom Day and to extend celebrations of our democracy across the country in reflecting on the achievements we have made as a nation.”