Google doodle celebrates South Africa’s Freedom Day

Today’s Doodle honours South Africa’s Freedom Day, which marks the 20th anniversary of the country’s first democratic elections, which took place on this day in 1994.

The elections resulted in the formation of a new democratic administration, putting an end to more than 300 years of segregation and colonialism. Apartheid was a system of institutionalised racial segregation that fostered political and economic discrimination against non-whites in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. A democratic ballot box is encircled by South Africa’s national flower, proteas, in today’s Doodle, paying honour to the 1994 elections, which were the first time the majority of South Africans were able to vote.

Today, people celebrate South Africa’s democratic transition and reflect on the long road that led to it. Many families commemorate the day by enjoying a braai (barbecue) or visiting memorials to the struggle for democracy. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years as a political prisoner, is a must-see. Local parades and street parties can be seen all around the country.

Happy Freedom Day, South Africa.