Freedom day is celebrated every year in South Africa to commemorate the day when all South Africans were legally able to vote in the first democratic elections. The 27^th of April is now a day to remember the sacrifices made by so many South Africans so that we could gain our democratic freedom. This short list of things to do on Freedom Day will hopefully provide you with inspiration. You obviously don’t have to spend the whole day in a museum so I have added a mix of things, enjoy your Freedom Day.

Take a boat to Robben Island

Weather permitting why not hop on a boat to Robben Island. Take a tour and learn about South African history. Robben Island is one of the places where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. You get to see his former prison cell on the guided tour. You can catch the boat to Robben Island from the V&A Waterfront. This is a great thing to do on Freedom Day, learning about South Africa’s history and whilst you are on the boat you can take lovely photos of Table Mountain.

Address: Nelson Mandela Gateway, Fish Quay, V&A Waterfront, 8001, Cape Town

Website: http://www.robben-island.org.za

Phone: 021 413 4200

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg5uO7IgXI2/?hl=en&taken-by=nikkidiscovers

Visit the Slave Lodge

The Slave Lodge is a museum in Cape Town which focuses on the history of slavery in Cape Town, apartheid and current slavery. Cape Malay people can trace their roots to slaves who were brought to South Africa from Malaysia. Today there are coloured people who have last names (surnames) such as January. The reason for this is that slaves who were auctioned off in January immediately received that last name (surname). It’s not all about slavery and injustice though there’s an interesting exhibit which displays South Africa music and CDs from prominent artists such as Miriam Makeba. It’s very interesting although it does make me emotional to visit.

Address: Adderly Street, Cape Town, 8001

https://www.instagram.com/p/BitEon0lQgV/?hl=en&tagged=slavelodge

Learn about forced removals at the District Six Museum

Under apartheid, people were forcefully removed from their homes. People were divided according to race and multiracial communities such as District Six were seen as a threat to the apartheid state. You can learn more about forced removals and the vibrant community of District Six at the District Six Museum which holds special events of Freedom Day. Access to the museum is free just bring along your ID. I’ve been to the District Six museum several times and I love the way it is set up. It’s very sad yet the stories are represented in a superb way.

Address: 25A, Buitenkant Street, Cape Town, 8001

Website: http://www.districtsix.co.za/

Phone: 021 466 7200

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiEJoKjnBQU/?hl=en&taken-by=nikkidiscovers

Braai at home or go to Mzoli’s and get to experience and taste what Jamie Oliver was raving about when he visited Mzoli’s. Mzoli’s has mixed reviews my boyfriend loved it though. It is popular amongst tourists and locals.

Address: Ny 115, Guguletu, Cape Town, 7751

Phone:078 040 982

Go visit Franshoek

The house on the Victor Vester property which is today called the Drakenstein Correctional Centre is where Nelson Mandela lived. Mandela spent the last days of his imprisonment there. It is now a South African National Heritage Site, and a statue of Nelson Mandela can be found outside of the prison.

Website: http://www.dcs.gov.za

See the flowers and plants at Kirstenbosch

One of my favourite places in Cape Town this botanical garden features indigenous flora and fauna. There are walking and hiking trails, a restaurant and the well-known boem slang bridge.

Address:

Website: http://www.sanbi.org/

Phone:021 799 8783

Visit the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre

Although the Holocaust is not directly related to Freedom day it must be said that the Jewish community fought against apartheid. It is believed that Nazi ideals helped shaped the ideology of the apartheid regimes key officials. It is heart-wrenching to be in the museum I remember one of my friends crying whilst looking at the exhibits.

Address: 88 Hatfield Street, Cape Town, 8001

Website: http://www.ctholocaust.co.za/cape-town/cape_town-main.htm

Phone: 021 462 5553

Go to the Bo Kaap Museum

The Bo-Kaap district in Cape Town with its candy-coloured homes is a photographers dream. The area has a Mosque and several restaurants which serve Malay styled food. It’s also where you can find the Bo-Kaap museum it is also free to enter on Freedom day and exhibits the history of Cape Malay people.

Watch a proudly South African film

7 fingers for Marseilles, is currently playing at the cinema. It is an African Western set in the Eastern Cape. I haven’t been to watch it yet but, it’s gotten rave reviews thus far. According to the Sunday Times, the film’s characters are the “South African Avengers”. So why not support the local film industry whilst catching an unusual film.

Book at: www.bookamovie.co.za

Additional

Go for a hike or take a walk along the beach. You might spot a seal at Kalk Bay harbour or penguins at Seaforth or Windmill Beach. Maybe even take a stroll along the Seapoint Promenade. Cape Town is surrounded by natural beauty so celebrate our democratic freedom by basking in the gorgeousness of the Mother City.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to comment. I love reading comments on my blog. Let me know what you think of this article and any general feedback is deeply appreciated.

Happy Freedom Day South Africa!

xxx Nikkidiscovers xxx