Freedom Day commemorates the historic elections marking the end of the official apartheid. It celebrates South Africa's 1996 constitution, the principles set out in human dignity, equality before law, and protection of fundamental rights.
Long lines meandered through both the town and the outskirts as school teachers, miners and entrepreneurs moved forward with hopeful hope of votes. At that moment, it was nothing but the dawn of freedom when around 20 million South Africans of all races voted in their first non-racial elections.
In 31 years, freedom in 2025 will arrive at a critical time. Globally, democracy is under pressure. The electoral system is under attack, authoritarianism is revived, and civil liberties are shrinking. Against this backdrop, South Africa's commitment to a peaceful transition of power and participation in multi-party remains a critical strength.
New Chapter: Union Government
After the 2024 general election, South Africa has entered a new era of coalition governance. For the first time since 1994, major parties negotiated with the National Unity Government (GNU) with seven other small parties that form the ANC, the Democratic Alliance, the Incasa Liberal Party, the Patriotic Alliance, and the multi-party cabinet.
Today, GNU reaffirms the state's commitment to cooperation in conflict, even amidst ideological differences.
This political stability effect had a measurable effect. Following the formation of the GNU, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) saw an increase in investor activity, and the rand was temporarily strengthened. Sovereign credit outlook from rating agencies such as Moody's and Fitch shows signs of destabilization, with investors saying the risk of unilateral policy making has declined as a factor.
Other indicators also show progression of the increase. South Africa recently passed the Expropriation Bill, a groundbreaking legal framework that clarifies procedures for uncompensated land redistribution under certain conditions.
Furthermore, national literacy levels are rising, and South Africa is currently ranked among the three most literate countries on the continent. According to a 2024 Intelpoint study, the adult literacy rate reached 95%, reflecting the long-term outcomes of sustained investments in public education and early childhood development.
Freedom Day is more than just a retrospective opportunity. It calls for future-looking accountability. The Constitution, which in 1996, disparaged democratic governance, committed the nation to socioeconomic justice, education and equality. Progress remains uneven – inequality and unemployment continue to constrain development, but it is worth acknowledging.
Even when election outcomes change dramatically, South Africa's ability to support democratic norms through negotiated power shearing is not merely a historical footnote. It is a modern achievement. With Africa's democracy facing new threats, South Africa's enduring experiments in constitutionalism remain a reference point.
The importance of Freedom Day 2025 is in recognizing both democratic progress and ongoing efforts. It's a moment to reflect, but it's also a quick institutional, political and social recommendation to the inclusive ideals that underpinned the 1994 vote.
The 2025 National Freedom Day Memorial will be held at AJ Swane Poel Stadium in El Melo, Mpumalanga.
Freedom Day 2025 will be observed on Monday, April 28th, 2025
