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President Cyril Ramaphosa arriving at the Dr Rantlai Molemela stadium.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his Freedom Day address to reflect on South Africa’s democratic journey and call for unity, as celebrations are taking place at the Dr Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The theme is “Freedom and the Rule of Law: Thirty Years of Democratic Citizenship”.
The President reminded South Africans of the significance of April 27, 1994, when millions voted in the country’s first democratic elections.
“Thirty-two years ago, on the 27th of April 1994, South Africa was born. The morning of 27 April 1994 did not begin like an ordinary day. It began with great anticipation, excitement and a determination by millions of South Africans to participate in the birth of a nation.”
FREEDOM DAY | President Cyril Ramaphosa says, “Today we take the opportunity to reflect, renew and reaffirm our commitment to the social contract entered into 32 years ago.” pic.twitter.com/sU2byV4Pck
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 27, 2026
He described the day as a moment of unity and resilience, “Before sunrise, millions of our people stood in long lines, young and old, rural and urban, black and white. Many were exposed to heavy rain and burning sun, but they waited with patience, pride and dignity to cast their votes for the very first time.”
Ramaphosa says Freedom Day is not only about the past, but also about building the future. He quoted former President Nelson Mandela to emphasise the need for unity.
“The time for the healing of wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us.”
FREEDOM DAY | President Cyril Ramaphosa says when freedom came, it was not just a political transition but a moral transformation, with the Constitution standing at the centre of that transformation. pic.twitter.com/NOdxLB7SQT
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 27, 2026
The President acknowledged progress made since democracy, including access to basic services and education, but says more work is needed.
“But this is not enough. There is much more that needs to be done. That is why we are working to strengthen our broad-based black economic empowerment policies, to make them more effective and more efficient to ensure that they actually deliver the fundamental changes that our economy needs.”
FREEDOM DAY | President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government has dedicated greater resources and effort to tackling organised crime, gangsterism, gender-based violence and other forms of violent crime to give greater effect to freedom. pic.twitter.com/zI0sOzBd3Z
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 27, 2026
He also addressed challenges facing the country, including crime, unemployment and failing infrastructure.
“Failing water infrastructure, collapsing municipalities and deteriorating services are not mere inconveniences. They directly affect the quality of daily life. They constrain the growth of businesses and the creation of jobs.”
Freedom Day is celebrated annually to mark South Africa’s first democratic elections and to reflect on the country’s journey towards equality and justice.
National Freedom Day 2026 Celebrations:
