Freedom Day reflections: 31 years on, where is the dream of 1994?
31 years after South Africa’s first democratic election, the promise of freedom remains unfulfilled for many, prompting calls for reflection, activism, and real change.
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CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined by Nicholas Tlatlane, Programs Manager and Advocacy Lead at Justice Desk South Africa.
Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.
Today (27 April), South Africa commemorates Freedom Day.
31 years ago, millions of citizens went to the polls to vote in their first non-racial, democratic election.
After decades of apartheid rule, people were hopeful that a better life for all was possible, something promised by the African National Congress (ANC).
Years later, South Africa has been described as one of the most unequal societies in the world.
"...There was a dream that was sold to our people in 1994, where they had hope that on the 27th of April, when they voted, they voted for the government...and it's going to bring change in the context of South Africa, understanding that our people are coming from an apartheid system. But then, no hope and change were brought. It was only just the economic complexes that have come into our people, especially now in the current dispensation."
- Nicholas Tlatlane, Programs Manager and Advocacy Lead at Justice Desk South Africa
Tlatlane says that while the dream of 1994 was powerful, the nation still struggles with poor governance, privatised wealth, and systemic failures.
He points to rising crime, substance abuse, and economic hardship as evidence that real freedom remains out of reach for many, especially the marginalised.
Tlatlane believes activism still has a critical role to play.
"There is a huge key role of activism, but also the activists are currently silenced by our current government and the current system."
- Nicholas Tlatlane, Programs Manager and Advocacy Lead at Justice Desk South Africa
He is calling for a new generation of everyday activists to reclaim the nation’s values, equip communities with human rights education, and demand real, structural change.
For Tlatlane, Freedom Day should be less about celebration and more about reflection and renewed action.
Scroll up to listen to the full conversation