The 27th of April is fast approaching and can, in some ways - be viewed as “just another public holiday” - especially for those who don’t necessarily fall into the “woke” corners of society!

However, as South African citizens, it is important for all of us to reflect on where we have come from as a nation, to become ever more resilient in our position against injustice and in essence, find great value in coming together, from across all backgrounds, to build a brighter future.

In a nutshell, Freedom Day commemorates the very first democratic election held after the fall of the apartheid regime in 1994. Everyone over the age of 18 was eligible to vote, including foreign citizens permanently residing in South Africa.

• The 27th of April commemorates the day in 1994 where South Africa held its first Democratic Elections.
• South Africa transitioned from the previous apartheid-led government to the ANC after the 1994 elections saw the African National Congress coming into power.
• It is a national holiday and pays tribute to history as being the first post-apartheid election where members of non-white demographic groups were eligible to vote.
• Since 1994, this day is celebrated and commemorated as a public holiday.
• South Africa officially gained its independence at the end of 1994, on the 11th December 1931.

We've put together a list of family-friendly activities in the beautiful Mother City. Take your pick!

Take a trip to Robben Island

Many ANC stalwarts who fought tirelessly against the apartheid regime found themselves exiled to Robben Island where they were forced to do manual labour.

One of the island's most iconic prisoners was the revolutionary Nelson Rohihlahla Mandela - who was confined to a small cell for 18 years, using the cold floor as a bed and nothing besides a metal bucket as a toilet.

Catch a ferry at the Waterfront and learn more on the history of struggle, including a tour of Mr Mandela’s cell along with prisoners' daily routines.

• Operating Hours: 9am - 1pm
• Address: V&A Waterfront, Robben Island Museum
• More Info: Robben Island Tours

Iziko Museum & Slave Lodge

The Iziko Museums form a collection of museums found all over Cape Town, some of which are the South African Museum, the Planetarium, and the Slave Lodge.

These are all great places to spend your time on this Freedom Day, all of them are soaked in heritage and rich in our history, however - we encourage you to check out the Slave Lodge.

This museum explores the long history of slavery in South Africa, under the umbrella theme of “from human wrongs to human rights”.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adults R40
  • Kids R20
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 10am - 5pm
• Contact Number: (021) 481 3800
• Address: 25 Queen Victoria St, Cape Town

District Six Museum

This museum serves to help us understand the dark times they went through, and keep their stories alive.

Many of the staff at the Museum are also ex-residents of District Six, with their own painful memories to share.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adult (self-guided): R30,
  • Adult (with guide/ex-resident): R45
  • Scholar: R5
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sat, 9am-4pm
  • Sunday by appointment only
• Address: 25A Albertus St, Zonnebloem
• Contact Number: +27 (0)21 466 7200

Freedom Day Comedy Night

Friday Comedy Nights brings you another Stella line up at #UkhambaBeerworx on the last Friday of April the 27th. This one is for Freedom Day.

Share in this day of commemoration with funny stories and tales straight from the past.

The lineup.

• Siphelele Qoqoshe,
• Chantal Jax Venter,
• Luu Ignatius,
• Lonwabo Xatasi,
• Phila Mnyanda,
• Kumkani Sibu Mtyiwazo
• Nkosinathi Maki

Be sure not to miss out on this presentation!

• Entrance Fee: R100 for 2 people
• Operating Hours: 27th April - 8pm
• Address: Ukhamba Beerworx, 145 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock
• Full Event Info: Freedom Day Comedy Night

Joburg sure knows how to celebrate Freedom Day, every day. Take a look at some of the best ways to celebrate your freedom.

The Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid museum tells the story of 20th century South Africa with 22 exhibitions by historians, filmmakers and designers detailing the heart-breaking stories and events of the Apartheid era.

Apartheid — meaning “separation” – was the government-sanctioned segregation of the population by race that lasted for around 40 years.

The construction of the museum was funded by Gold Reef City and its design is a wonderful example of modern South African architecture. Visitors usually visit for about 2 hours.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adult - R80
  • Kids - R45
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm
• Contact Number: 011 309 4700
• Address: Gold Reef Rd, Johannesburg

Constitution Hill

Constitution Hill gives you an insight into the evolution of human rights in South Africa. It is home to disused men’s and women’s prisons, an old fort and the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

The Constitutional Court is the highest court in South Africa and protects the human rights of all citizens. You can choose from a variety of tours and experiences such as the highlights tour, art and justice tour or even a night tour.

Tip: If you visit as part of a City Sightseeing Red Bus tour, you are eligible for a discount on your entrance ticket!

• Entrance Fee:
  • R30 to R300 (depending on tour)
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm
• Contact Number: 011 381 3100
• Address: 11 Kotze Road, Johannesburg
• More Info: Constitution Hill

Vilikazi Street Soweto (Nelson Mandela’s House)

This is arguably the most famous street in Soweto and possibly even the country. Home to two of South Africa’s most iconic figures, Archbishop Emeritus Tutu and struggle hero, Nelson Mandela.

The Archbishop still resides at this home and is sometimes seen strolling around the street engaging with resident members in the area.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adult - R60
  • Kids - R20
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 9am - 5pm
• Contact Number: 011 936 7754
• Address: 115 Vilakazi St, Orlando West, Johannesburg

A Dusk Market For Freedom Day

How will you be spending your Freedom Day? Why don't you join in for the first Dusk Market and start the weekend with a festival of food, activities and crafts!

Stay tuned for announcements of entertainment for the day!

• Entrance Fee: TBC
• Operating Hours: 27th April, 1pm - 7pm
• Address: Jeppe Quondam Sports Club, 79 Boeing Road East, 2007 Bedfordview
• Full Event Info: A Dusk Market For Freedom Day

If you find yourself wondering what to do in Pretoria this Freedom Day, why not choose from this list?

The National Cultural Museum

The National Cultural Museum is one of South Africa’s most comprehensive documentations of the life of South Africans from the early Stone Age up until today.

During the museum's relocation from the former Market Square, it merged with the Transvaal Museum which later became independent again only to merge with the South African National Museum of History.

Each Museum is operated independently, but managed by the same board. Housing famous displays such as the San Art Exhibition and the Marabastad Exhibit, the National Cultural Museum is a must visit.

• Entrance Fee:
  • R20.00 / R35.00pp
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 8am - 4pm
• Contact Number: 021 324 6082
• Address: 149 Visagie Street, Pretoria
• More Info: The National Cultural Museum

Union Buildings

The Union Buildings are central to South African history and now represent the change the country endured.

Besides being a governmentally significant building, it is alive with culture, housing many museums, monuments and theatres.

• Entrance Fee: Free
• Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
• Contact Number: 012 300 5200
• Address: Goverment Ave, Pretoria
• More Info: Union Buildings

Freedom w/ Black Coffee

Celebrate freedom at Altitude Champagne Garden with Black Coffee.

If you're keen to celebrate Freedom Day with a night filled with good vibes, then just take a look at this lineup!

The lineup includes:

• ATLANTA
• CALVIN FALLO
• TASHY D'AGRELA
• KYLE CASSIM
• RICARDO DA COSTA
• BLACK COFFEE
• ESSENTIAL GROOVE

Join The Movement this Freedom Day! The dress code is smart-casual from and no 23’s are allowed after 5pm.

• Entrance Fee: From R200
• Operating Hours: 27th April, 3pm - late
• Address: Altitude Champagne Garden, Sun International Times Square Casino in Menlyn, Pretoria
• Full Event Info: Freedom w/ Black Coffee

Celebrate Freedom Day in the sunny city of Durban by visiting some of these iconic monuments.

Old Court House Museum

The Old Court House Museum is full of stories. It has witnessed the Anglo-Zulu Wars and the Bambatha Rebellion. It served as a general canteen and recruitment centre during the Wars.

The museum features several collections, including:

• A miniature car display
• A costume room featuring fashions from the early 20s
• Decor and Art Nouveau pieces

An interactive touch screen display shows visitors Durban’s history through the eyes of great people who lived during this period.

• Entrance Fee: Free
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sat, 8:30am-4pm
• Contact Number: (031) 311 2229
• Address: 77 Aliwal Street, Durban
• More Info: Old Court Museum

Freedom Day is more than a public holiday; it's a day that deserves celebration and commemoration by South Africans all over the country. Why not take some time to reflect on where we've come from and celebrate where we are going!

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