Soweto residents have mixed feelings about democracy as the country celebrates Freedom Day
Monakele Mpofu, a Soweto community member, was in his early 20s when he woke up on this day in 1994 to cast his first-ever vote.
Late ANC President Nelson Mandela greets young supporters atop a billboard in a township outside Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 16 April 1994, prior to an election rally. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - With the country commemorating 30 years of freedom on Saturday, South Africans are looking back at the nostalgic moment they marked the ballot paper for the first time in 1994.
For many, this milestone represents the pain and suffering they were subjected to by the apartheid government, while for others it is a time to celebrate the country’s liberation.
Eyewitness News has spent some time in Soweto, where snaking queues were seen in the historic 1994 polls.
Monakele Mpofu, a Soweto community member, was in his early 20s when he woke up on this day in 1994 to cast his first-ever vote.
He said that his heart was filled with hope that maybe one day households in Soweto would have access to electricity, running water, and most importantly a better life.
Looking back at the last 30 years, he said the quality of life has improved not only for Soweto residents but for millions of people across the country.
"You will remember that Soweto had dusty streets, this mall was not there, the hospital was not here, so, there are many things we can talk about that were not there before 1994."
But this is not how every Soweto resident feels.
Themba Khumalo has lived in Zola for many years and said that the ANC's shortfalls in the last 30 years have overshadowed its successes.
"Maybe I was too optimistic, maybe I expected too much but I cannot point out anything that I benefitted from during these 30 years of democracy."
He said that while life has become better for many, its also becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.