Statement by the ANC on the anniversary of the Freedom Charter
26 June 2024
Today, the African National Congress (ANC) proudly commemorates the anniversary of the Freedom Charter, a timeless document adopted on 26 June 1955 at the Congress of the People in Kliptown. The Freedom Charter remains a foundational pillar of our democratic principles and continues to inspire our pursuit of a just, inclusive, and equitable South Africa.
The need for the Freedom Charter arose in an era of profound oppression and injustice. Apartheid was systematically denying black South Africans their basic human rights and freedoms.
Recognising the urgency of unifying the nation under a common vision, the ANC, along with other progressive organisations, sought to articulate the aspirations of all South Africans. This vision built on earlier documents such as the African Claims of 1943 and the 1949 Programme of Action.
The Freedom Charter was crafted through extensive consultations with ordinary South Africans, ensuring it reflected the collective will of the people. It boldly envisioned a South Africa where all citizens, regardless of race, would enjoy equal rights and opportunities, directly challenging the apartheid regime's ideology.