This year, on 27 April, marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections and in just more than a month, South Africans will once again head to the ballot boxes to decide on their ruling party in what political analysts believe to be the most important election since 1994.
Suffice to say, that this is a big political year for South Africa. For this very reason, we’ve put together a list of things to do in Cape Town, Gauteng and KZN to help you not only celebrate the milestones but also to help educate you and your family on how far we’ve come as a country.
In Cape Town:
Visit Iziko Museums*
As a way to not only commemorate what had transpired to get us the public holiday that we now enjoy as Freedom Day, in celebration of our 30 years of Freedom, the Iziko Museums are offering free entrance to selected museums. Get free entrance to the Iziko Slave Lodge, Iziko South African National Gallery, Iziko South African Museum and the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum on Saturday, 27 April 2024 only. Entrance to the Castle of Good Hope will also be free.
*Excludes the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome as well as select museums that are closed on Saturdays.
Kuier@TheCastle
The Kuier@TheCastle market, organised by the Craft + Design Institute (CDI) in partnership with the Castle of Good Hope, is the Cape Town CBD’s biggest new monthly market that showcases Cape Town’s unique diversity and talent. For Freedom Day, you can enjoy free access to the museums at the Castle as well as access to local artisanal products, truly Cape Townian foods, activities and workshops for visitors of all ages, and a set of live music.
Long March to Freedom
Visit the Long March to Freedom outdoor exhibition that features 100 of South Africa’s freedom fighters in the form of life-sized bronze sculptures. The exhibition features the likes of Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Walter Sisulu. Visit the exhibition at Century Boulevard in Century City. Entry is between R20-R75.
In Gauteng
The 2024 Freedom Day National Celebration
On Freedom Day this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the national celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. As it is also the 28th anniversary of the enactment of the South African Constitution as the supreme law of the land, the theme is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership, and Growth”. The event will start at 10am at the Union Buildings in the City of Tshwane in Gauteng.
Constitution Hill
Constitution Hill is a noteworthy site in South Africa’s history. The former prison and military fort had some of South Africa’s most renowned freedom fighters do time there such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Joe Slovo, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and Fatima Meer to name a few. Get a free tour of Constitution Hill on Freedom Day and learn about this living museum’s rich history. The space will also host Sikelela Fest which will feature Zakes Bantwini and friends like MiCasa, Scorpion Kings, and Kelvin Momo.
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In KwaZulu Natal
Freedom Day In Ohlange
The KwaZulu Natal government together with Premier Zikalala and MECs will reflect on the roles played by Mme Charlotte Maxeke and John Langalibalele Dube in fighting colonialism and apartheid. Ohlange is revered as a notable venue in SA’s history as the first democratic president, Nelson Mandela cast his very first vote at a school established by JL Dube back in 1994. The event starts at 8am, where there will be a laying of wreaths at Dr JL Dube’s grave and the official programme will begin at 9am at the Dr JL Dube Stadium.
KwaZulu Natal Freedom Route bus tour
Join the KwaZulu Natal Freedom Route bus tour from Durban or Pietermaritzburg to explore historical attractions. In Durban, the bus departs from North Beach Tourism Centre, Golden Mile at 8:00am, and in Pietermaritzburg, it will depart from the Tourism Hub, at 283 Langalibalele Street (behind City Library) at 10:30am. The tour will take you to: North Beach Tourism Centre/ Ohlange Institute Inanda / Phoenix Settlement / Tourism Hub PMB / PMB Railway Station / Old Prison Project Gateway / Arya Samaj Manaye Hall / Mandela Capture Site / Tourism Hub PMB/North Beach Tourism Centre. For more information, visit https://mandelafreedomroute.co.za/
ALSO SEE:
Democratic South Africa turns 29: here’s why I’ll be celebrating
Feature image: Unsplash
