Bulelwa Hoala
Freedom Day is a public holiday celebrated in South Africa to commemorate the country’s transition from an apartheid government to a democracy.
In 1994, South Africa’s first post-apartheid elections were held and the new constitution (considered to be one of the best in the world) was also introduced. For the first time in history, South Africans of all races were able to vote.
A lot has changed since then.
Despite the end of racial segregation, our country is plagued with high levels of inequality, poverty and youth unemployment. This has become discouraging to some.
There are many things you can do to commemorate Freedom Day, such as visiting historical landmarks, attending events or you can watch the following movies to recap on this important aspect of South African history:
Cry Freedom
Year: 1987
Director: Richard Attenborough
Starring: Denzel Washington, Kevin Kline, John Matshikiza
This emotional biographical drama is set in Apartheid South Africa and tells the story of journalist Donald Woods who forms an unlikely friendship with anti-Apartheid activist, Steve Biko. When Biko dies in police custody, Woods is placed under house arrest and fears for the safety of his family.
Long Walk To Freedom
Year: 2013
Director: Justin Chadwick
Starring: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto
This movie tells the remarkable story of Nelson Mandela from his humble beginnings as a village boy to becoming the first black president in the democratic South Africa.
Winnie Mandela
Year: 2011
Director: Darrell Roodt
Starring: Jennifer Hudson, Terrence Howard, Aubrey Poo
Based on Anne Marie du Preez Bezrob’s biography Winnie Mandela: A Life, the film follows the life of Winnie Mandela from her childhood and to the hardships she endured while her husband Nelson Mandela was incarcerated by the Apartheid government.
Sarafina!
Year: 1992
Director: Darrell Roodt
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Leleti Khumalo, Miriam Makeba
Set in Soweto, Sarafina is about a young black student who grows increasingly opposed to the injustices of the racist South African government, especially when her fellow students protest against Afrikaans being made the official language in her school and when her favourite teacher is arrested.
Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu
Year: 2016
Director: Mandla Dube
Starring: Thabo Rametsi, Thabo Malema, Welile Nzuza
After being a victim of police brutality during the 1976 Soweto uprisings, a 19-year-old Solomon Mahlangu goes into exile before joining the liberation movement and becoming an icon of South Africa’s liberation.
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