Freedom Day 2025

Looking Back, Moving Forward Together

By Jessie Taylor

Every year on April 27, South Africa commemorates Freedom Day, a day marking the momentous first democratic elections held in 1994. This day signifies the liberation of the country and its people from the oppressive system of apartheid, where racial segregation and discrimination defined every aspect of life. Over the past 30 years, South Africa has made significant strides toward becoming a democratic nation committed to equality, dignity, and respect for all its people.

This year’s event marks the closure of the 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy celebrations that have taken place over the last year. The campaign is a crucial milestone in South Africa’s history, highlighting the nation’s progress since the adoption of a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic constitution. In 2025, Freedom Day also marks the 28th anniversary of the South African Constitution— the cornerstone of the nation’s democratic principles.

While the celebrations are a time to recognise the country’s achievements, it’s also essential to remember the barriers once faced by many South Africans, especially in accessing public spaces and participating in events. Under apartheid, laws such as the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act (1953) and the Group Areas Act (1950) enforced racial segregation. Public spaces, including parks, beaches, and buses, were divided based on race, with unequal facilities and services. These laws were officially repealed in the early 1990s, but their legacy of inequality lingers, making full access to public spaces and events still a challenge for many.

The 1994 democratic election marked the end of over 300 years of colonialism, segregation, and white minority rule in South Africa. Apartheid, which officially began in 1948, denied people of colour the right to vote, excluding them from political participation. Freedom Day honours the struggle and sacrifices of those who fought for liberation, culminating in the first democratic elections.

This election resulted in the establishment of a new democratic government, led by Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC), and the adoption of a new constitution. The peaceful 1994 elections, despite threats of violence, saw 19.7 million people cast their vote. The ANC won 62.65% of the vote, forming the Government of National Unity, with Mandela as the first democratically elected president.

This Freedom Month offers South Africans the chance to reflect on both the progress made and the work still ahead. This year’s celebration is a reminder of the work that lies ahead to build a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the freedoms and opportunities promised in our Constitution.

Get Outdoors This Freedom Day

This Freedom Day is the ideal opportunity to celebrate inclusive spaces by participating in events at parks or sporting events open to the public:

Parkruns

On Sunday 27 April, several Parkrun events across South Africa will host special Freedom Day runs, commemorating the nation’s journey to democracy. These free, community-driven 5-kilometer events offer participants the opportunity to walk, jog, or run in celebration of this significant day. Betty’s Bay Parkrun will hold its Freedom Day event in the scenic Harold Porter National Botanical Garden in the Western Cape. Similarly, Constantia Greenbelt Parkrun and Fish Hoek Parkrun in the Greater Cape Town area have confirmed their participation. In KwaZulu-Natal, Umhlanga Parkrun invites the community to celebrate by running along the picturesque Umhlanga Promenade, encouraging participants to wear South African flag colours, as does Serengeti Estates in Gauteng.

Surfski Paddle

Celebrate Freedom Day with the Prescient Freedom Paddle 2025 on Sunday 27 April - a thrilling surfski race around the historic Robben Island. Starting from Oceana Power Boat Club in Cape Town at 7:30, this 27km event welcomes paddlers of all levels, from novices to world champions, across multiple categories, including single and double surf skis, S3s, ocean sculls, SUPs, and prone boards. For those looking for a less intense experience, a 10km short course offers a more accessible challenge, endorsed by Lifesaving South Africa for safety and inclusivity.

Trail Runs

Celebrate Freedom Day with fresh air, fitness, and fun at the Trail Hound – Hazeldean Valley Trail Run/ Walk hosted by Revolution Trails in Pretoria. Held at the scenic Hazeldean Valley Trails on the corner of Ridge and Oukraal, this pet-friendly event offers something for everyone—with distances ranging from 2km to 15km. Whether you’re walking, hiking, or running, each route is well-marked and features water tables, finisher medals, and Vitality Points.

Sources: What’s On | SA Government | Park Run