South Africa has many public holidays that refer to the struggle against apartheid. Freedom day - 27th of April - is one of them. It was on this day in 1994 that all adult South Africans, regardless of race, background and skin colour, were allowed to cast their votes for the very first time. There are plenty of ways for you to celebrate South Africa's democracy. Here is a short overview:

African Dance Festival at Khayelitsha Lookout Hill
In celebration of Freedom Day, a festival of traditional African dancing will be held at Lookout Hill Tourist Facility in Cape Town's Khayelitsha township.

During the festival 12 different schools and community groups in Khayelitsha compete against each other. They all have undergone professional training in traditional dance, instrument making and stage performance.

The groups are playing for big cash prizes, including one for best costumes so you can be assured of a truly colourful spectacle. Only authentic African food (homemade) will be on sale, as well as some hand made craftwork. All proceeds will go to building a children's clinic in Khayelitsha.

Location: Look Out Hill Khayelitsha / + 27 (0) 83 375 0988
Cost: R150.00 each; The venue has a seating capacity of 500. There is parking for tour buses (with car guards on duty).

Robben Island
Robben Island is one of the living symbols of apartheid and of the South African struggle for democracy and freedom. It is also one of the must-do's when you are in Cape Town, so kill two birds with one stone and book yourself a ticket to Robben Island and learn about the place Nelson Mandela and many others were incarcerated for many years.

Location: Nelson Mandela Gate Way / V&A Waterfront
Cost: R 150 per ticket

Opera at The V&A Waterfront
The Cape Town Opera Voices of the Nation Sing-a-Thon is one event at the V&A Waterfront sure to be enjoyed by everyone with top entertainers in celebration of Freedom Day. A programme of music with vocal styles ranging from the operetta and musical genre to opera and jazz.

Where: Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront
Cost: Free of charge

Footsteps to Freedom Walking Tour
Join a Footsteps to Freedom Walking Tour and dive deep into South Africa's history, from the moment Jan van Riebeeck landed in the Cape in 1652 until the magical year 1994, the year when South Africa gained its freedom. Tours start at 10:30 from Monday to Saturday.

Location: Tourism Visitor Information Centre / Burg Street, Cape Town
+27 (0) 21 465 2032 / + 27 (0) 83 452 1112
Cost: A Footsteps to Freedom walking tour is free with the Cape Town Pass.


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