In 1994, a new South Africa was born because of Nelson Mandela, the
black South African leader, who stayed in prison for 27 years to fight for the
end of apartheid (the racial segregation regime). He won the first free
elections after three centuries of discrimination by the white against the
black.
Finally, that came to an end. It was a new beginning for the country
called “Rainbow Nation” by the Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the first black
Archbishop of South Africa, because “Rainbow Children of God” was used to refer
for the first time to all the people of South Africa, independently of their
colour.
For centuries, the white European settlers from three different
countries had fought each other over the right to control that vast territory
that, in their opinions, belonged to them. During that time, they discovered
gold and diamond mines and put the local tribes to work in the mines, while they
enjoyed the richness that was found.
So, 27th April 1994
was considered Freedom Day because it was the first day when black people could
vote. Therefore, they celebrate it with a large festival of music of many
different styles.
Fátima Carolina
Fernandes, 8º4
