South Africa Celebrates Freedom Day Despite Xenophobia Unrests

The day is widely seen as marking the start of a free South Africa after the fall of apartheid, a system of racial segregation implemented by the white-minority government in South Africa for decades.

This year's celebrations come against the backdrop of a spate of anti-immigrant attacks earlier in April in which a number of people lost their lives.

Using the #FreedomDay hashtag, people across the country and beyond took to Twitter to celebrate this year's event, express their views and send out their wishes.

South African Government twitted; Happy #FreedomDay! Today we celebrate 21 years of freedom. Let us not forget the sacrifices by so many that allow us this day.

President Zuma said the country needs to be responsible; abide the laws and desist from attacking foreign nationals

On his part, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the people of South Africa and sent out a message of hope.

"Greetings to my sisters and brothers of South Africa on Freedom Day. This is a day that celebrates hope and optimism," he tweeted.

South Africans nationals were also on the front line to denounce the recent attacks in the country.

Hosi Tlimba, a citizen, said ‘no to xenophobia, all we are African & lets enjoy freedom day guys #xenophobia.’

By Musalia

Source: CNN News