Today, South Africa commemorates the 31st anniversary of its first democratic elections on April 27, 1994, a historic moment that ushered in a new era of freedom and democracy. Celebrated as Freedom Day, this milestone coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, a visionary document that laid the foundation for a democratic South Africa and inspired parts of the country’s Constitution. As the nation reflects on its journey, voices from the African National Congress (ANC) and its Veterans League highlight both the triumphs and challenges in realizing the Charter’s aspirations.
The 1994 elections marked a “political breakthrough,” as described by Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, ANC Head of Communications and National Spokesperson, in a statement issued today. “The dawn of democracy on the 27th April 1994 was a significant milestone,” Bhengu-Motsiri said, emphasizing the ANC’s role in reversing apartheid’s legacy through legislation ensuring universal healthcare, access to education, equality of languages, land redistribution, workplace diversification, and decent working conditions. Quoting the late President Nelson Mandela, she recalled his words on that historic day: “The sun shall never set on so glorious human achievement.”
Snuki Zikalala, President of the ANC Veterans League, underscored the significance of Freedom Day as a time to evaluate the progress of South Africa’s democracy. “South Africans can be proud that we have successfully implemented the clauses of the Freedom Charter calling for all national groups to have equal rights, all to enjoy human rights, and all to be equal before the law,” Zikalala stated. He noted that in a global context where human rights are increasingly challenged, South Africa continues to uphold these principles.
However, both statements acknowledge that socio-economic goals outlined in the Freedom Charter—such as work and security, housing, land sharing, and access to education and culture—remain only partially fulfilled. Zikalala highlighted “mixed” results in opening “the doors of learning and culture” and achieving “peace and friendship.” He attributed these shortcomings to constraints including poor economic growth, an unfavorable geopolitical environment, weak governance during the state capture years, and insufficient government capacity. These challenges, he said, faced the National Treasury, Minister of Finance, and President in crafting the 2025/6 national budget, which required “hard choices about revenue and expenditure” to be made in an “astute, inclusive and considered way.”
The Veterans League expressed concern over the budget process, noting that “what transpired was not a reflection of a maturing 31-year-old government.” While welcoming the withdrawal of a proposed VAT increase, Zikalala voiced uncertainty about whether the budget would adequately support the poorest and most vulnerable. “As our leadership moves to finalise the fiscal framework and budget, we hope this is characterised not by horse trading but by making tough decisions that will benefit the poor,” he said, advocating for increased grants, better healthcare, and improved education.
The ANC’s statement emphasized the high cost of achieving democracy, referencing tragic events like the 1992 Boipatong massacre, internecine violence, and the assassination of Chris Hani, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party. These incidents, described as “well-orchestrated schemes to derail elections,” spurred negotiations based on the Harare Declaration, culminating in the 1994 democratic transition. The ANC also highlighted its international solidarity efforts, including brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine, advocating for the lifting of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, and supporting Palestinian liberation, aligning with the Freedom Charter’s call for “Peace and Friendship.”
Both the ANC and Veterans League addressed the current political landscape, particularly the Government of National Unity (GNU) formed after the loss of a single majority party. Zikalala supported the GNU’s Statement of Intent but called for urgent implementation of a coalition council and codified dispute resolution mechanisms. “In the face of uncertainty internationally and attempts to undermine our Constitution by right-wingers, we need strong and united leadership,” he said, citing opinion surveys indicating declining public confidence in the GNU.
The ANC, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to deepening democracy and countering “antitransformation practices” by those nostalgic for apartheid. Bhengu-Motsiri outlined priorities including revitalizing local government, implementing the National Health Insurance Act, Expropriation Act, Employment Equity Amendment Act, and Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, and adopting an expansionary fiscal policy to stimulate the economy and create jobs. “Our immediate responsibility is to unite, renew and build an effective organisation capable of advancing development and ethical leadership,” she said.
As South Africa celebrates Freedom Day, the nation stands at a crossroads. The ANC and its Veterans League call for renewed commitment to the Freedom Charter’s vision, urging unity and decisive action to address socio-economic challenges and defend the hard-won gains of democracy. “No revolution is worth anything unless it can defend itself,” Bhengu-Motsiri declared, echoing the ANC’s resolve to advance freedom and build a non-racial, non-sexist, united democratic South Africa.