Question

When did South Africa become independent?
A. 16 April, 1994
B. 26 April, 1996
C. 26 April, 1994
D. 6 April, 1998

Answer 1

Hint: The independence day of South Africa is 26th April. The day celebrates freedom from the white-rule and commemorates the first post-apartheid referendum of the nation where every adult was allowed to vote.

Complete Answer:
South Africa was a colony of Great Britain for many years. The country became independent on December 11, 1931. However, the British monarch remained head of state. On May 31, in the year 1961, South Africa finally became a republic, cutting off all formal ties with Great Britain, and emerged as an independent nation. The colonizers i.e. the white-minority were still in charge of the power. The black majority of the country had very few rights under the racist apartheid regime of South Africa. Hence, they did not participate in the 1961 referendum. True independence for the majority of the people of the country came in 1994 when the African National Congress came into power under the guidance of Nelson Mandela. A multiracial and multiparty election was introduced on 26th April 1994, where every adult was allowed to vote. This day is considered and celebrated as the ‘freedom day’ in South Africa. Freedom Day is the independence day of South Africa, which is celebrated on 26th April. The day celebrates freedom from the white-rule and commemorates the first post-apartheid elections held on the same day in the year 1994. This was the first non-racial national election of South Africa where everyone of voting age of over 18 belonging to any race group were allowed to vote. Previously, under the apartheid regime, only the non-whites had limited rights to vote while the black majority of South Africans had no voting right whatsoever.
So, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: On December 11, 1931, South Africa became free from the chains of British Rule. On May 31, in the year 1961, the country finally became a republic, cutting off all formal ties with Great Britain, and emerged as an independent nation. However, true independence for the majority of the people of the country came in 1994, when the African National Congress came into power under the guidance of Nelson Mandela. A multiracial and multiparty election was introduced on the 26th of April, 1994, and every adult was given voting rights. Hence, 26th April is celebrated as the independence day of the country.