Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
04/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/28/2026 01:11
Media Statement: Parliament Commemorates Freedom Day
Parliament, Monday, 27 April 2026 - On this Freedom Day, the Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, join all South Africans in commemorating this historic occasion.
On this day in 1994, millions of South Africans cast their votes in the country's first democratic elections, ushering in a new era and marking the end of apartheid and institutionalised racial oppression.
This year holds added significance as South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution in 1996. More than a legal framework, the Constitution embodies the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom, and affirms the rights of all who live in the Republic. For three decades, it has served as the foundation of South Africa's constitutional democracy-guiding governance, safeguarding fundamental rights, and providing a framework for transformation and social justice.
As the nation reflects on these milestones, Parliament pays tribute to the countless South Africans who sacrificed for freedom and for the establishment of a democratic constitutional order. Their legacy continues to inspire the ongoing pursuit of a just, inclusive and equitable society.
Since 1994, South Africa has made significant strides in building a democratic state, with Parliament at the centre of this transformation. In giving effect to the Constitution, Parliament has passed over 1,500 transformative laws-encompassing both new legislation and far-reaching amendments-deliberately designed to dismantle the structural legacy of colonialism and apartheid, and to reconfigure South Africa's legislative architecture in line with the values of human dignity, equality and freedom. These laws have fundamentally reshaped key sectors of society, expanded rights, and laid the foundation for inclusive development.
Through its constitutional mandates of law-making, oversight, and facilitating meaningful public participation, Parliament continues with its transformational agenda, including holding the Executive accountable, deepen democracy, and drive the realisation of socio-economic rights. This work remains central to improving the lived realities of all South Africans and advancing a more just, equitable and inclusive society.
The Presiding Officers emphasised that freedom extends beyond the right to vote. It requires active citizenry, accountability, and a collective commitment to upholding constitutional values. A responsive and effective democracy depends on public trust, which must be continually nurtured and strengthened.
"As we commemorate Freedom Day and mark 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, we must as a nation renew our commitment to the values of human dignity, equality and freedom. Together, we must ensure that the promise of 1994 and the vision of the Constitution are not only preserved, but are meaningfully realised in the lives of present and future generations. In doing so, we advance the building of a just, inclusive and democratic society."
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
On this day in 1994, millions of South Africans cast their votes in the country's first democratic elections, ushering in a new era and marking the end of apartheid and institutionalised racial oppression.
This year holds added significance as South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution in 1996. More than a legal framework, the Constitution embodies the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom, and affirms the rights of all who live in the Republic. For three decades, it has served as the foundation of South Africa's constitutional democracy-guiding governance, safeguarding fundamental rights, and providing a framework for transformation and social justice.
As the nation reflects on these milestones, Parliament pays tribute to the countless South Africans who sacrificed for freedom and for the establishment of a democratic constitutional order. Their legacy continues to inspire the ongoing pursuit of a just, inclusive and equitable society.
Since 1994, South Africa has made significant strides in building a democratic state, with Parliament at the centre of this transformation. In giving effect to the Constitution, Parliament has passed over 1,500 transformative laws-encompassing both new legislation and far-reaching amendments-deliberately designed to dismantle the structural legacy of colonialism and apartheid, and to reconfigure South Africa's legislative architecture in line with the values of human dignity, equality and freedom. These laws have fundamentally reshaped key sectors of society, expanded rights, and laid the foundation for inclusive development.
Through its constitutional mandates of law-making, oversight, and facilitating meaningful public participation, Parliament continues with its transformational agenda, including holding the Executive accountable, deepen democracy, and drive the realisation of socio-economic rights. This work remains central to improving the lived realities of all South Africans and advancing a more just, equitable and inclusive society.
The Presiding Officers emphasised that freedom extends beyond the right to vote. It requires active citizenry, accountability, and a collective commitment to upholding constitutional values. A responsive and effective democracy depends on public trust, which must be continually nurtured and strengthened.
"As we commemorate Freedom Day and mark 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution, we must as a nation renew our commitment to the values of human dignity, equality and freedom. Together, we must ensure that the promise of 1994 and the vision of the Constitution are not only preserved, but are meaningfully realised in the lives of present and future generations. In doing so, we advance the building of a just, inclusive and democratic society."
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
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