The DBE will be hosting its annual commemorative engagements between 1 and 30 April 2024, to mark Freedom Month, and Freedom Day on 27 April. The commemorations offer an opportunity to reflect on progress made in transforming society, whilst also examining remaining challenges.

During Freedom Month, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), together with the DBE and Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), will be collaborating in promoting electoral democracy literacy to young South Africans in public schools nationally. April is therefore also dubbed as Schools Democracy Month. The DBE takes this opportunity to reflect on the 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy to educate young people about electoral democracy and the importance of voting as agents of change.

The launch of the Schools Democracy Education Programme took place at the Alexandra High School in the Gauteng Province on 17 April 2024, to promote Civic and Democracy Education. Basic Education Minister, Mrs Angie Motshekga delivered the Keynote Address. Gauteng Education MEC, Mr Matome Chiloane was also in attendance. An IEC voting demonstration was performed to guide young voters on the process.

Minister Motshekga spoke about the importance of registering and voting, saying that, “voting is both a privilege and a right, as well as a way to hold government accountable. In addition, it is an opportunity for the youth as future leaders, to ensure that the South Africa they would like to see, is shaped through democratic participation”.

MEC Chilone reminded the youth that democracy was achieved at a high cost and that voting is a way of defending the heart and soul of democracy, especially during the 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy celebrations in South Africa.

Minister Motshekga will be attending the commemoration of Freedom Month and the Schools Democracy Education Programme at Pace Commercial School of Specialisation in Jabulani, Soweto, in the Gauteng Province on 22 April, whilst Basic Education Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, will be attending the launch at Mugena Secondary School, Bushbuckridge, in the Mpumalanga Province, also on 22 April 2024. The MECs of the two provinces will be accompanying the Ministry during the commemoration.