On 29 April 2026, the Unisa Midlands Region, in collaboration with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), hosted a Freedom Day commemoration event at the Rustenburg Hub.

The hybrid event brought together over 280 participants, including staff, students, various stakeholders, community members, academics and civil society. Held under the theme "Strengthening sustainable democratic constituency through community oversight, ballot (vote) and other democratic processes", the event emphasised the importance of citizen participation, accountability and the role of democratic structures in sustaining South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

In her welcome address, Angie Bopape, Acting Director, Unisa Midlands Region, stated that the event reminded South Africans that democracy was not just about voting, but about continuous participation, accountability and building communities that uphold our constitutional values.

She stated that partnerships enable citizens to collaborate and think collectively about how to tackle challenges that require diverse expertise. She emphasised that the event was hosted to empower communities to be active citizens who hold public institutions and public officials accountable and to protect the integrity of free and fair elections.

It is through interdisciplinary and intersectoral discipline collaborations, such as at the community level, that we can contribute to transformational knowledge. She encouraged everyone to reflect on the current state of the country’s democracy and to enquire how they can collectively strengthen it, take personal responsibility, make decisions and actively participate in the country's democratic processes. She indicated that South Africans needed to have bold and honest conversations.

Delivering the keynote address, Bonolo Makgale, Head of Democracy and Civil Engagement at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, highlighted the importance of civic responsibility and the role of educational institutions in shaping informed citizens. She focused on the importance of sustainable democratic participation and strengthening civic responsibility. Makgale furthermore stated that there was a gap between the democracy we have and the democracy we owe each other.

During the discussions, the panel of experts shared diverse perspectives, experiences and insights on the specific topics while engaging in real-time conversation with attendees.

Panel discussion one - consisting of Mirriam Baloyi, North-West University, Advocate Sipho Mantula, Researcher at Unisa and Stanley Kekana, Assistant Director: Student Support Services at ORBIT TVET College - focused on the role of higher education and democracy, exploring universities as spaces for dialogue and leadership. The discussion centred on higher education institutions as spaces for democratic dialogue, critical thinking and the development of civic leadership.

Panel discussion two focused on the role of constitutional bodies in strengthening democracy. Under this topic, various representatives, including Advocate Sephoti, Commissioner, Public Service Commission, Shirley Mlombo, Provincial Manager at the South African Human Rights Commission, Audrey Mogatusi, Regional Manager: Bojanala district, Independent Electoral Commission, and Senior Investigator, Kleinbooi Matsetela from the Public Protector of South Africa, shared their viewpoints while engaging in collaborative dialogue with attendees. The focus was mostly on accountability mechanisms, citizen awareness and safeguarding democratic institutions.

The last panel discussion focused on the role of young people in democracy. Unisa Regional Student Representative Council member Pilane Karabo Njomane, along with Karabo Modisane, Simon Mpakanyane and Olorato Mosothwane, from different non-governmental organisations, shared their thoughts and experiences on the topic. The discussion emphasised advocacy, volunteerism and social accountability.

The event elicited vibrant and sustained participation from attendees. It achieved its objectives of promoting democratic awareness, constitutional literacy and active citizenship. The event strengthened the partnership between Unisa and the SAHRC while reaffirming Unisa’s commitment to community engagement and nation-building.

* By Monica Nong, Office of the Regional Director, and Yandani Chagi, Regional Academic Coordinator, Unisa Midlands Region