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Today, as we celebrate National Freedom Day, we have reason to be proud of the growth of our democracy. Freedom Day is an important annual commemoration in South Africa, marking the country's first non-racial democratic elections in 1994. The historic elections, which saw the election of the country's first black president, were a culmination of centuries of struggle and sacrifice by South Africans who fought against the injustices of apartheid and colonialism. Freedom Day has become a day of celebration, reflection, and renewal for the people of South Africa, as we continue to strive towards building a more inclusive, equitable, peaceful, non-racial and prosperous society.

South Africa's journey towards democracy has been long and difficult, but significant progress has been made since the end of apartheid in 1994, which includes the continuous growth and maturity of our democracy.

The amended Electoral Act is another important step towards ensuring that our democracy continues to evolve and become more inclusive. The changes to the Act, which were made in response to an order from the Constitutional Court, are a great step in ensuring that the Act meets the constitutional requirements and broadens the choices available to South Africans when electing their representatives in the national and provincial legislatures.

For the first time since the dawn of our democratic dispensation, individuals who are not linked or associated with political parties will be able to stand for election as candidates in the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures. This is a significant step towards ensuring that more diverse voices and opinions are accommodated in the democratic processes of the country.

The introduction of independent candidates in the electoral system will hopefully assist in improving voter turnout, which has been on a steady decline since 1994. The amended Electoral Act will bring major changes to the way South Africans will vote in next year's General Elections. It amends the electoral formula for allocation of seats – which will have a bearing on how the Independent Election Commission will allocate seats in the National Assembly.

In the new electoral system in the Act, provinces are defined as distinct constituencies (called regions). The National Assembly is divided into 200 regional seats and 200 compensatory seats drawn from proportional representation lists. Independent candidates can compete for the 200 regional seats.

As we celebrate Freedom Day, it is important to remember that our democracy is not just about elections. Regular democratic elections promote accountability, transparency, and peaceful transfer of power while also promoting political stability, civic engagement, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms.
While we celebrate our freedom today, we must also renew our commitment to the ongoing transformation of our society. We must continue to work together to tackle the social ills that are still afflicting so many of our people today. This requires unity of purpose and cooperation from us all.

Parliament, as the legislative arm of our democratic state, has a special role to play in achieving the South Africa for which so many sacrificed their lives.  High levels of unemployment, inequality, poverty, corruption, crime and violence – including violence against women and children, are challenges that Parliament will continue to tackle through oversight and legislative interventions to ensure that all South Africans enjoy the fruits of our liberation.

Today, let us pay tribute to the great leaders who resisted colonial domination and fought for our liberation, both those who have left us and those who are still living. Let us also make a pledge towards fighting against the erosion of the democratic rights of the people of South Africa and renew our loyalty to the country and commitment to its future.

In commemorating Freedom Day, South Africans from all walks of life and backgrounds must remember that we all have a role to play in building a better future for ourselves and our children. May this year's Freedom Day inspire hope, progress and change in the lives of South Africans.

Issued by Parliament of South Africa