1994 vote marked the birth of a new SA: Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa at Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described South Africa’s first democratic election as the “birth of a new nation”, marking a historic moment when over 20 million people voted in 1994 for the first time.

Speaking during national Freedom Day commemorations in Bloemfontein, he reflected on long queues of South Africans from all walks of life who waited with patience and dignity.

Ramaphosa also highlighted the historical significance of Bloemfontein and Mangaung, linking them to the country’s liberation struggle and painful past under colonialism and apartheid.

He says Freedom Day is both a celebration and a reminder of the sacrifices made to build South Africa’s democracy, calling on citizens to protect and strengthen it for future generations.

“The Free State has a history of courageous resistance. Women from the then Orange Free State were among the first to rise against the extension of the past laws. In 1913, with protests breaking out in Jagersfontein and Winburg and also here in Broomfontein. They were arrested and imprisoned, and their families were left without carers.”

FREEDOM DAY | President Cyril Ramaphosa says, “We stand here today not only as citizens of a democratic nation, but as custodians of a hard-won legacy of freedom, a legacy won in struggle.” pic.twitter.com/2QW76RwH5R

— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 27, 2026

Ramaphosa has called on citizens to respect the rule of law.

He says the country is fully anchored in the constitution, and South Africans are people who value ubuntu.

South Africa is a constitutional democracy where the constitution is the supreme authority.

Ramaphosa also says South Africa does not need a so-called new generation of men but needs men and boys of this generation to do better.

“We must guard the women and young women of our country and their freedom, freedom from fear, freedom from violence, and freedom from rape. We do not walk alone in this freedom, and we did not walk into this freedom on our own. We were carried by a tide of solidarity from the nations of the world.”

FREEDOM DAY | President Cyril Ramaphosa says, “We say to those who are here legally, respect us as South Africans, respect our laws, conventions and our traditions, as you would want us to respect the laws and traditions of your own country.” pic.twitter.com/tDBdslmPbR

— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 27, 2026