Democracy in SA

The road to democracy and the Constitution

The Road to Democracy

For many years, South Africa was not a democracy — apartheid denied most people the right to vote. After decades of struggle, negotiations led to the first democratic election on 27 April 1994. Nelson Mandela became president.

Example

Key Events

• 1948: Apartheid begins • 1960: Sharpeville Massacre — 69 people killed • 1964: Mandela sentenced to life in prison • 1976: Soweto Uprising — students protest • 1990: Mandela released, ban on ANC lifted • 1994: First democratic elections

Note

Remember

Democracy means government by the people — every adult citizen can vote. The SA Constitution protects everyone's rights equally. We have Freedom Day on 27 April to celebrate our democracy.

Key Vocabulary

DemocracyA system where people choose their government by voting

ApartheidA system of racial separation in SA (1948-1994)

ConstitutionThe highest law of the country protecting rights

VoteTo choose a representative in an election

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Democracy

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