‘We have not been delivered what Madiba promised’

The day of 27 April 1994 is a watershed moment for the country – a day when South Africans of all races could participate in a democratic election.

This year marks the 25th year of South Africa’s democracy.

Political analyst Mcebisi Ndleteyana believes although much has been done to ensure every citizen enjoys their constitutional rights – more can be done to address the injustices of the past.

“We have gone quite a distance from the country that we were before 1994. It is a watershed difference really – there are no civil liberties that have been extended to people, respect for people of different sexual orientations, religions and race.”

He believes the true gauge of democracy can be measured by the lived experience of South Africans.

“The structure of our economy leaves a lot desired – that is the major challenge that remains. Those that are unemployment are youth. This goes beyond a mere lack of income to the kind of social ills that unemployment brings.”

The ANC, who have been governing the country since the birth of democracy, is urging citizens to pay their respects to those who fought in the struggle for liberation.

“We must treasure it as part of the heritage of our nation. That particular day didn’t come without a heavy price that was paid by many South Africans. We shouldn’t disappoint those South Africans who gave it them all for me and you to be able to vote today,” says spokesperson Dakota Legoete.

This while the DA says political leaders have failed to deliver on the promised made post the 1994 election.

“It’s been 25 years that apartheid had ended but South Africans are not seeing enough change. We have not been delivered what Madiba has promised us,” says the party’s Francine Higham.