With Freedom Day approaching, it is a time to reflect not only on South Africa’s democracy but also on the role of media freedom in shaping the country over the past 31 years. Media ethics, freedom of expression, and the media’s role in holding power to account have evolved significantly since 1994. Professor Herman Wasserman, Head of the Journalism Department at Stellenbosch University, said the transformation has been notable. “Firstly, […]
A young man who was born on the same day the country held democratic elections in 1994 says he considers himself lucky to be a born free. Vote Ubisi from Lilydale near the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga says it is heartbreaking to hear about hardships that black people were facing during the Apartheid era. His parents named him Vote as many people were talking about voting on the day he was […]
By Ragheema Mclean Three decades ago, on 27 April 1994, South Africa witnessed a historic moment as over 22 million citizens cast their inaugural democratic votes. This pivotal event symbolized the end of centuries of colonialism, segregation, and white minority rule. While the victory of the African National Congress (ANC) in the election, with 62.65% of the vote, ushered in a promising era under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the […]
By Kouthar Sambo Dozens of runners will convene to fulfill one common goal in the name of fitness to commemorate Freedom Day on 27 April. Fitness enthusiasts and runners will be engaging in a 10 km race set to take place at 7:15 am at Langa Sports Stadium in Bitterhout Street. Speaking across the VOC airwaves, race pacesetter Youssef Kanouni said the 27 April 1994 is "very symbolic" to the […]
Some residents of the Northern Cape say COVID-19 has had a major impact on their freedom. They say although government was compelled to impose a hard lockdown on the country to combat the spread of the coronavirus, they can no longer live normally. Residents say they’ve lost their freedom to earn a living, while some businesses have been forced to shut down. South Africa is celebrating 27 years of independence […]
As South Africans celebrate their hard-earned freedom on Freedom Day on Friday, there is no real sense of freedom for residents of Manenberg. So says Roegshanda Pascoe of the Manenberg Safety Forum, as the community prepares to hold an event to honour mothers who have lost their children to gang war fare and survivors of gang violence. Pascoe says gang violence has trapped residents in their homes and families have […]
By Loushe Jordaan For South Africa, Freedom Day on 27 April marks the liberation of the country and its people from a long period of colonialism, white minority rule and Apartheid. But 24 years post democracy, the wounds of apartheid are still raw, as South Africa grapples with many socio-economic challenges such as crime, racism, poverty and inequality. Increased debate around land reform and racism in South Africa has raised […]
President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead Freedom Day celebrations in Bloemfontein on Friday. The country held its first democratic election on this day in 1994. Since then, the day and month are used to mark the country's liberation. This year's celebrations recognise the roles Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu played in the struggle for freedom. The government says freedom can only be realised through radical socio-economic transformation. The Presidency said the […]
The Nantes Athletic Club hosted its Freedom Ray run for the second time. in a bid to raise funds, the race started at the club house opposite Vangate Mall on Thursday 27 April. After their inaugural race last year it seems the amount of entries doubled this year.The 10km race started at 07h00 and the fun run at 07h20 followed by a walk which started shortly after the 10km race, […]
VOC became the first Muslim radio station in South Africa when a special events license was granted to the station in Ramadan/January 1995. Subsequent temporary broadcast licenses were granted, permitting the station to broadcast for 24 hours.
