South Africa Marks 30 Years Since Apartheid End Amid Growing Dissatisfaction with Government

South Africa commemorated the 30th anniversary of the end of apartheid with a ceremony in the capital, Pretoria. The event was marked by a 21-gun salute and the waving of the nation's multicolored flag. However, the celebration was overshadowed by a growing discontent with the current government.

President Cyril Ramaphosa presided over the gathering, addressing the audience in a huge white tent in the gardens of the government buildings in Pretoria. He spoke as the head of state and as the leader of the African National Congress party, which played a pivotal role in liberating South Africa's Black majority from the racist system of oppression. The ANC has been in power since the first democratic, all-race election of April 27, 1994, which officially ended apartheid. However, this Freedom Day holiday came at a time when the party's waning popularity suggests that it might lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in the upcoming election.

Acknowledgment of Historical Significance

During the ceremony, President Ramaphosa reflected on the significance of April 27, 1994, when Black people were allowed to vote for the first time, the ANC came to power and Nelson Mandela became the country's first Black president. He emphasized the profound impact of that day on the nation, Africa, and the world, stating, “South Africa changed forever. It signaled a new chapter in the history of our nation, a moment that resonated across Africa and across the world.” He further acknowledged that the dignity of all the people of South Africa was restored on that day.

While celebrating the historic milestone, President Ramaphosa also recognized the persistent challenges faced by South Africa, including widespread poverty and inequality, even three decades after the end of apartheid. These issues are likely to be central in the upcoming election on May 29, where millions of South Africans are set to cast their votes.

Lingering Effects of Apartheid

Despite the adoption of a new constitution guaranteeing the rights of all South Africans, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexuality, the lives of millions, especially the Black majority, have not significantly improved. More than 80% of the population of 62 million still grapples with severe poverty, with an unemployment rate of 32%, the highest in the world. Additionally, over 60% of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are unemployed, and 25% of the population rely on monthly welfare grants for survival. South Africa remains the most unequal country in the world in terms of wealth distribution, with race playing a crucial role.

Evolving Political Landscape

As South Africa reflects on 30 years of freedom from apartheid, a new generation, known as the “Born Frees,” is coming of age and is poised to make their voices heard in the upcoming election. Many young South Africans are looking beyond the African National Congress and seeking a new political direction for the future. This sentiment was echoed by supporters of a new political party called Rise Mzansi, who wore T-shirts with the words “2024 is our 1994,” signifying their desire for change in the upcoming election.

As the nation navigates the challenges and opportunities of the present day, there is a prevailing sense of optimism and urgency for change among the youth in South Africa. With the upcoming election, there is a renewed opportunity for the country to address the longstanding issues that continue to impact its citizens.

“They don’t know what happened before 1994. They don’t know,” said Seth Mazibuko, an older supporter of Rise Mzansi and a well-known anti-apartheid activist in the 1970s. “Let us agree that we messed up. There's a new chance in elections next month,” Mazibuko said, reflecting the hope for a transformative future.

The 2024 election is anticipated to be a pivotal moment where the voices of the “Born Frees” and the broader population will shape the trajectory of South Africa and define the next phase of its democracy.