Freedom Day is one of South Africa’s most cherished holidays. It is celebrated on the 27th of April every year and commemorates South Africa’s first non-racial democratic elections and the establishment of a new constitution and democratic government led by Nelson Mandela.
A worldwide celebration
Freedom Day is the culmination of years of struggle against the apartheid regime and is truly a day that marks a turning point in South Africa’s long walk to freedom. In the words of Nelson Mandela: “As dawn ushered in this day, the 27th of April, 1995, few of us could suppress the welling of emotion, as we were reminded of the terrible past from which we come as a nation; the great possibilities that we now have, and the bright future that beckons us.
“Wherever South Africans are across the globe, our hearts beat as one, as we renew our common loyalty to our country and our commitment to its future.”
South Africans across the world stand true to Nelson Mandela’s words and annually celebrate Freedom Day in their new countries. If you are living abroad and would like to attend a Freedom Day celebration in your area, contact your local embassy or visit one of these:
The United Arab Emirates
Celebrating the journey to freedom: Free to all
Hosted by: South African Business Council UAE
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Jumeirah Beach and Hilton Dubai The Walk
Date: 28th April
Time: 11am – 9pm
Join your fellow expats and freedom lovers for a fun-filled day featuring a delectable variety of SA food and drinks. It promises to be a day featuring lots of fun for all and SABCO members stand the chance of winning two SAA flight tickets to SA!
Braai: South African Freedom Day Celebration
Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Sohar
Date: 28th April
Time: 7pm
Join with your family, friends and fellow expats at Ai Zafaran Restaurant for an extended South African Freedom Day celebration with a braai, traditional music and a beautiful sea view
Australia
Bring & Braai in Melbourne
Hosted by: The Democratic Alliance Aboard
Venue: Albert Park Melbourne, F1 Circuit (Fawkner St, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3206
Date: 29th April
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Join your fellow expats in Melbourne for a fun Bring & Braai in the good old SA tradition in Albert Park, Melbourne near the gym area.
UK
Hosted by: Rainbow Nations Events
Venue: Leather Bottle, 538 Garratt Lane, SW18 3 London
Date: 27th April
Time: 4pm – 11pm
Celebrate South African Freedom day in style! Showmax is presenting this day in conjunction with Rainbow Nation Events. The day promises to be a fantastic celebration with South African music and film exhibitions and face painting for the kids (and the adults who want to display the SA flag on their face!)
Ekhaya Event & Freedom Day Celebration
Hosted by: Rainbow Nations Events
Venue: Willen Lake, Milton Keynes
Date: 29th April
Time: Midday onwards
This awesome get together is for all South Africans and their friends who want to meet up for some good food and music – while they celebrate Freedom Day together.
USA
South African Freedom Day Picnic
Venue: Savage Park, 8200 Fair Street, Savage, MD 20763
Date: 29th April
Time: 11am – 6pm
Enjoy live South African DJ music and kids activities with your fellow expats – bring your barbeque/braai for the complete South African experience.
South African Freedom Dam UNITY Weekend
Venue: Peace Lounge DC (2632 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20001)
Time: April 29th at 10pm – April 30th and 3.30pm
Celebrate Freedom Day by partying all weekend long in the appropriately named ‘Peace Lounge’
If you’re an expat abroad and need advice regarding dealing with your finances in your new country, contact us today. We’re here to help you unlock your South African wealth and put you on the path to financial freedom in your new home.
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