Can’t wait for some free time this Freedom Day weekend?

Here are the positives – with Freedom Day falling on a Friday, and another public holiday (Workers Day) falling on the next Tuesday, well, if you can manage to take the Monday off, you could bag yourself a mini holiday!

So, as you scratch your head wondering what to do with yourself and the kids, we’ve got your back.

Freedom Day commemorates the first post-apartheid election held on that day in 1994. So, how about heading back to our roots – not only to remember the bitter history and wrongs of the past, but to celebrate just how far we’ve come as a nation in building bridges to a better future for everyone. And no, you don’t have to hang out at the Apartheid museum all day, but take the kids to a few places to remind everyone of the privilege of living in a free country (and squeeze in some super fun events as well!)

Jozi is the place to be this Freedom Day. Feel Soweto, it’s a living, breathing pulse of Kasi life and there are plenty of must-sees. Take an organised tour with either soweto.co.za or City Sightseeing to hit all the sweet spots. Or, visit Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia – once the nerve centre of the liberation movement. Today Liliesleaf is one of South Africa’s award-winning heritage sites where the journey to democracy is honoured.

Also, in the City of Gold, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens is hosting the Roodepoort Folk Festival with incredible local acts performing. Or, hang out in Sandton at the feet of the father of our nation while shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.

If you’re in the spicy city, visit the Nelson Mandela Capture site – the sculpture in Howick in KwaZulu-Natal is an interactive area, ideal to spend time with loved ones. Lick your lips over at the Taste Away Craft Festival at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium Outer Field in Jackson Drive, Stanford Hill. Or, play some action cricket over at the Action Sports Arena in the KZN Midlands.

Cape Town is going to be a buzz over the long weekend! Head over to the Labia Theatre for a screening of one of the short films at the Cape Town Adventure Film Festival. Also, Design South Africa has the 100% Clay Exhibition at the CTICC.

Take a trip to Robben Island –  the island has recently launched an app which will enable visitors to experience the island on their own time, with an audio playing “tour guide”. Also, visit Franschhoek, this is the place closest to where Madiba spent his last days in prison. The private house on the Victor Verster premises (now the Drankenstein Correctional Facility) where Mandela lived has been declared a South African National Heritage Site.

The Voting Sculpture situated in the Donkin Reserve in Port Elizabeth depicts our rainbow nation and is a reminder that South Africans can unite for change. Enjoy a game experience on a guided or self-driven tour at Kragga Kamma Road in the windy city or, go to the Sports and Adventure Festival at the Fairview Action Arena on the corner of Mimosa road and Frank Landman street, Fairview. The fun kicks off at 9h00 and runs until 21h00.

So much to do, right? Or, of course, you could catch up on some much-needed nap time… your choice. Enjoy your long weekend!

Source: www.getaway.co.za, news.events.sleeping-out.co.za, www.traveller24.com, www.news24.com