The DA's Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) and caucus leader, Freddy Sonakile, tells OFM News "there is simply not much to celebrate but to look back and take stock of how far the country has fared over the past 29 years into democracy".

He says the residents of Alabama recently protested and accused the government of neglecting them over the years.

"Some residents still use pit toilets, they lack water supply and asbestos schools are yet to be phased out."

His criticism of the Freedom Day celebrations comes as President Ramaphosa is set to deliver a speech today.

Residents in the Matlosana municipal district, as well as residents from Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp, are expected to attend the much-anticipated national commemoration of the day.

This year, the 27th of April marks the 29th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections.

Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said Freedom Day is commemorated to honour those "unsung heroes and heroines who fought for freedom and paved the way for an equal, representative, non-racial society".

"The national day also honours the masses of South Africans who resisted and suffered under apartheid, and faced death, injury and repression from the security forces. Many others battled forced removals, discrimination and other injustices, which the global community classified as crimes against humanity.

"The celebrations offer the nation an opportunity to reflect on progress made in transforming the South African society while also examining the challenges," Magwenya said.

OFM News