International community, including US, sends Freedom Day well-wishes to SA

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing a Freedom Day commemoration event in Bloemfontein on Monday.

X/@PresidencyZA

South Africa marked 32 years of democracy on Freedom Day,commemorating the first democratic elections on 27 April 1994.The US and King Charles sent well-wishes,while local parties criticised ongoing inequality and lack of safety.Political leaders called for unity,ethical governance and for crime to be addressed to make freedom a lived reality.

South Africa has received well-wishes,even from an unlikely ally,the United States,as it commemorates Freedom Day.

On Monday,the country celebrated 32 years of democracy and freedom. It was on 27 April 1994 that black South Africans,for the first time,got the opportunity to vote for their government after being deprived of this right under the brutal apartheid regime.

As the country commemorates Freedom Day,it has received well-wishes from the international community,while some South African political parties say political freedom is a sham for many South Africans.

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In a short statement,on behalf of the US,Secretary of State Marco Rubio wished the people of South Africa well as they commemorated Freedom Day.

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“Over three decades since South Africa’s democratic transition,this occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the country’s history and future.

“As we look ahead,we remain open to constructive engagement where our interests align,” said Rubio.

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There has been ongoing tension between South Africa and the US since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. The Trump-led administration has accused South Africa of white genocide and has been vehemently opposed to the transformative laws of the country that seek to address the injustices of the apartheid rule.

In a letter addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa,King Charles sent his “warmest congratulations” to the president and the people of South Africa on Freedom Day.

#FreedomDay2026 | The Constitution serves as a catalyst for nation-building. As we mark 30 years of the Constitution,government urges South Africans to promote unity,social cohesion,and a shared national identity. 🇿🇦#GovZAUpdates #30yrsDemocraticCitizenship pic.twitter.com/0aElColNlZ

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 27,2026

“The Commonwealth’s rich diversity and the energy of its younger generation continue to inspire hope and progress. In these times of global uncertainty,our collective strength and unity are more vital than ever,” said the king,adding that he looked forward to the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in November.

The king added:

My wife and I join in extending our very best wishes to you and to all South Africans for a peaceful and prosperous year head.

Closer to home,political parties,including the DA,ActionSA and BOSA,believe that millions of South Africans are still not free.

In a statement,DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said the country cannot claim to be free when millions of citizens “live without the most basic condition of freedom: safety”.

“Freedom is not only the right to vote. It is the freedom of a child to walk to school safely. It is the freedom of a mother to wait at a taxi rank without fear. It is the freedom of a shopkeeper to open for business without paying extortionists. It is the freedom of a family to sleep through the night without the terror of violent intrusion.

“For far too many South Africans,that freedom has been stolen by criminals,and too often it has been surrendered by a state that has become weak,compromised and slow,” said Hill-Lewis.

💙🇿🇦 The DA commemorates Freedom Day.

Freedom is not only the right to vote,but the right to live without fear.

This Freedom Day,the DA remains focused on building safer towns and cities and getting South Africa working for all. pic.twitter.com/Y5uidXl1Cb

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) April 27,2026

Hill-Lewis added that until South Africans live without fear,including in their homes,the promise of freedom is incomplete.

“Freedom Day should not be a ritual of empty words while millions live behind burglar bars,fear extortion,hear gunfire at night or bury loved ones while the state shrugs,” he said.

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BOSA spokesperson Roger Solomons said the day calls for unity and for South Africans to “reject the politics of division” and,through their diversity,build their country.

Meanwhile,the ANC said 27 April 1994 marked a milestone in the country,as it was on this day that apartheid was defeated and South Africa ushered in a free and democratic dispensation.

Party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said: “This day was not a miracle,but a history written in sacrifice,death,blood,pain,yet also human perseverance and hope.

“In a sense of proud nostalgia,the snaking queues to the ballot box were destined to usher a new destiny where we lost our chains and reclaimed our humanity and dignity based on a universal suffrage of one man,one vote.”