Vain Jarbandhan

Photos and reflections of SA’s 1994 election; a conversation with three anti-apartheid activists; and why we’re not in the mood to raise a glass this Freedom Day. Thirty years into democracy, Daily Maverick spoke to three anti-apartheid activists about how they found their way to the land from Umkhonto weSizwe, the United Democratic Front and the ANC-linked Marxist Worker Tendency. Part One focuses on Errol April.

FREEDOM DAY OP-ED The reality for many South Africans is one of disillusionment as they cannot celebrate their freedom because the political elites have amassed wealth at the expense of the downtrodden majority. In 1994, South Africa emerged from decades of oppressive apartheid rule, marked by racial segregation and discrimination. The transition to democracy was a momentous occasion, symbolising hope and promise for a nation torn apart by racial tensions.