The day is a celebration of the liberation of South Africans from a long period of colonialism, apartheid and the white minority domination these systems entrenched. The 27th April marks the day in 1994, when all South Africans, despite race, freely participated in the elections that heralded our constitutional democracy.  

Twenty four years into South Africa’s constitutional democracy, Freedom Day remains immensely important as it was the day that paved the path for the adoption of the South African Constitution in in 1996, the very Constitution which contains our human rights as set out in the Bill of Rights, Chapter Two of the Constitution. This day also ensured that institutions such as the SAHRC, with a specific mandate to promote, protect and monitor the attainment of the human rights we have, are established in terms of Chapter Nine of the Constitution.

Despite the historical significance of the day, many would agree that much is still yet to be achieved in the true and substantive realisation of equality and freedom for all. With poverty, inequality and numerous human rights being violated in South Africa, the Commission understands that much is still to be done to ensure that the rights of all are attained.

As fellow Chapter 9 bodies and as members of the Forum for Institutions Supporting Democracy (FISD), the Commission and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) continues in its collaboration in promoting constitutional and civic education as part of civil and political rights. The Commission’s provincial offices are currently participating in the Schools Democracy Week that is currently running from 23rd to the 27th April on information sessions on electoral democracy.

Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 060 988 3792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.