South Africa celebrates 20 years of freedom

South Africa yesterday marked two decades of multi-racial democracy, still feeling the loss of Nelson Mandela and in sombre mood just 10 days before elections which are expected to keep the African National Congress (ANC) party in power.

The celebrations held a special poignancy as it was the first “Freedom Day” since the passing of Mandela, the anti-apartheid icon who died in December at the age of 95.

His name was evoked several times by South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma during a ceremony attended by around 5,000 people under bright autumn skies outside the ornate Union Buildings, the seat of government.