Freedom Day (Public Holiday)

South Africa celebrates the day it had its first democratic elections


This public holiday celebrates freedom and commemorates the first democratic post-Apartheid elections held on that day in 1994, when Nelson Mandela was elected as President of South Africa.

Freedom Day marks the liberation of South Africa and its people from a long period of colonialism and white minority domination. For South Africans, just being able to vote is precious and for many it was one of the most memorable days of their lives.

South Africans spent hours queing in the hot South African sun to exercise their long withheld right to vote. This public holiday is marked by political rallies and key note addresses form politicians and struggle veterans.


Molo Says: For many of us it is hard to imagine what it is like to go through our whole lives without the democratic right to vote. Nelson Mandela nearly spent his entire life in prison on Robben Island so all Black South Africans could eventually be free.Discover more information on Nelson Mandela with CapeTownMagazine.com.

Read about all the other South African Public Holidays:

Workers Day Youth Day National Women's Day Heritage Day Day of Reconciliation Christmas Day Day of Goodwill New Years Day Human Rights Day Good Friday Family Day





 

Cape Town Events Calendar
 
April 2010
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Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

Bespoke menus, wine pairings, and timeless interiors

Light House Holistic 2026Rooftop clubhouse with yoga, sauna, ...

It’s open from 7am to 5.30pm. 5 reasons to go Light House Holistic

Char'd tasting 2025Brandy, tequila & gin tastings with ...

Steaks are the main event. The tastings complete the experience

Pear Tree 2024Pear Tree, the tiny Hermanus bistro ...

Breakfast poké bowls, egg and kimchi tacos, and fresh juices

Dutchies recurring event Free jazz nights at Dutchies by Grotto ...

Sushi platters, crisp wine, and jazz in the sea breeze

Filini interiorFilini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore

Tiramisu martinis, lasagne crocchetta and more

WB TAPSBrewery with food specials every single ...

Daily deals on classic comfort meals like burgers, schnitzel, ribs, steaks…

Woodstock Brewery Taproom NEW 4Cool taproom with amazing happy hour & ...

Craft beer tasting trays, burgers for just R60, R35 happy hour pints

Ficks recurring eventHermanus’s tidal pool restaurant is ...

Twinkling fairy lights, ocean views and cocktails at sunset

NYE 2023 Benguela CoveUnique things to do for Father’s Day

Stargazing tour, racing simulators, vineyard lunches + more

West Coast Safaris 2025A seasonal guide to West Coast Private ...

Flowers in spring, whales in summer and wildlife all year

Aubergine Auslese event featureSophisticated private event space in ...

Bespoke menus, wine pairings, and timeless interiors

Light House Holistic 2026Rooftop clubhouse with yoga, sauna, ...

It’s open from 7am to 5.30pm. 5 reasons to go Light House Holistic

Char'd tasting 2025Brandy, tequila & gin tastings with ...

Steaks are the main event. The tastings complete the experience

Pear Tree 2024Pear Tree, the tiny Hermanus bistro ...

Breakfast poké bowls, egg and kimchi tacos, and fresh juices

SITTING AT BARWhere to go for a long Saturday ...

Breakfast buffet every Saturday with shisha and sport upstairs

Woodstock Brewery Taproom NEW 4Cool taproom with amazing happy hour & ...

Craft beer tasting trays, burgers for just R60, R35 happy hour pints

Ficks recurring eventHermanus’s tidal pool restaurant is ...

Twinkling fairy lights, ocean views and cocktails at sunset

WTM 2026 post eventInside WTM Africa 2026, its biggest ...

8 000+ attendees, 780 exhibitors, and record growth

Palm House Boutique HotelPalm House Boutique Hotel and Spa

Glamorous 5-star suites and dining in a 1920s grand home

!Khwa ttu Museum!Khwa ttu, the world’s first heritage ...

Immersive exhibitions, food tours, tea tasting & more

Wescape IdeaWescape City close to Cape Town

A new R140-billion development for the Western Cape. Will you be living in this ...

Two Oceans Aquarium 2024Leadership, scuba diving, concerts + ...

Plus markets, fun runs and youth-led conversations (June 16)

NYE 2023 Benguela CoveUnique things to do for Father’s Day

Stargazing tour, racing simulators, vineyard lunches + more

rooikat new(Y)our Secret Season: Have a better ...

Specials & special things to do this winter. Plus daily wins

Cape Town Backgammon /weekendWhen it rains stay indoors … but not ...

Weekly backgammon, D&D nights, flower workshops & more

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