2024 Freedom Day and Workers’ Day Events
Take advantage of the Freedom Day weekend and public holiday on 1 May (Workers’ Day) and explore the city. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate South Africa’s rich heritage and the spirit of freedom, while also enjoying the province’s natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere.
Go Out & Explore
Explore Soweto & Vilakazi Street
Take me to Soweto! You have to head to this symbol of the nation one of these good days people, especially on this special day. It is regarded as one of the most famous urban areas in Joburg and it holds a ton of our history. So, we suggest you grab the family and friends, and head to the most visited street in this urban area. We think you’ll love it. There’s also plenty of historical places to explore in Soweto, be sure to check them out here.
Constitution Hill
The remnants of an old fort and holding cells for political prisoners has been turned into the domain of South Africa’s Constitutional Court and proclaimed a national heritage site. Constitution Hill is in Braamfontein, just up the road from the train station, and deserves your attention. You can also use the City Sightseeing Red Bus to explore this heritage museum.
Freedom Park
Though it’s not in Johannesburg, it still deserves our attention – besides, Pretoria is pretty much Joburg’s little brother anyway. Freedom Park celebrates South Africa’s heritage as a centre of knowledge aimed at deepening the understanding of the nation. It strives to accommodate all of the country’s experiences and symbols to tell one coherent story.
Click here for more information.
Staying In
Movie Marathon
Hollywood is in love with our stories of trials, tribulation and success. And why shouldn’t they be? We’ve got a very rich history. Why not rent or stream movies such as; Invictus, Mandela: a Long Walk to Freedom and Cry Freedom and have yourself a little movie marathon. Don’t forget the popcorn! We’ll take extra butter, please.
Braai
If there is one thing which unites us more than when the Springboks win a match, it’s the fact that we love our braais and make a big deal out of them. So, in the spirit of Freedom Day, why not invite your buddies over and celebrate the day which shaped our nation?
Books to Read
Why not skip the movie marathon and grab one of these books for your reading pleasure: Steve Biko’s I Write What I Like, Breyten Breytenbach’s The Confessions of an Albino Terrorist or Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom. It’s a good excuse to curl up in bed as the April weather takes a turn.
