By Genevieve Azelama
On May 31st, 1961, South Africa severed ties with the British monarchy and declared itself a republic, This marked a triumph in South Africa’s path to national sovereignty. They replaced the British monarch with a ceremonial president as head of state formally through the Republic of South Africa Constitution Act of 1961, which reconstituted the Union of South Africa as the Republic of South Africa.
However, this victory achieved on May 31st, 1961, was overshadowed by the commencement of apartheid policies. The news South African Republic was established under a regime that continues with the enforcement of racial segregation and disenfranchisement, thereby diminishing the impact of the independence celebration on South Africans. 
Although South Africa gained its independence on May 31st, South Africans choose to celebrate on April 27th, also known as Freedom Day. This day is truly monumental in South African history as it commemorates the country’s first democratic elections, where citizens of all races could vote, leading to the end of apartheid and the election of Nelson Mandela as the first Black president.
South Africa’s Freedom Day celebrates decades of struggle against racial oppression and the beginning of a new era of equality and democratic governance. May 31st is referred to as Republic Day, asserting South Africa’s sovereignty as a nation. It is important to celebrate true freedom as a nation, freedom for all people without colonial strings.
Freedom Day is a symbol of the country’s dedication to human rights and democracy. Together, they now symbolize South Africa’s complicated transition from colonial oppression and apartheid to a democratic nation pursuing justice and equality.
This year, South Africans have chosen to reflect on the nation’s milestones, the aftermath of apartheid, and true freedom from the West, particularly as the nation has faced undue pressure and intrusion from the U.S.
