Freedom day in South Africa, the date 27 April commemorates the day in 1994 when the first democratic election was held.
Today we take a look at iconic moments in SA history that paved the way to liberation from a long period of apartheid rule.
By Ayanda Sitole
1. Jun 1976. An estimated 100 people died, and more than 1,000 injured in the Soweto uprising. Young South Africans took to the streets to protest against Afrikaans being used as the medium language of instruction.
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2. 21 March 1960. Apartheid police officers opened fire on protesters against pass laws, leaving a carnage of dead people in the township of Sharpeville. The event is now known as The Sharpeville Massacre.
3. 9 September 1977. An estimated 20,00 South Africans attended the funeral of Steve Biko who was killed by apartheid police during the liberation struggle.
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4. Nelson Mandela. Former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela gives a speech in Soweto at the National Stadium shortly after his release from prison.
