JOHANNESBURG (AP) — As 72-year-old Nonki Kunene walks through the corridors of Thabisang Primary School in Soweto, South Africa, she recalls the joy she and many others felt 30 years ago when they voted for the first time.
It was at this school on April 27, 1994, that Kunene joined millions of South Africans to brave long queues and take part in the country’s first democratic elections after decades of white minority rule which denied Black people the right to vote.
The country is gearing up for celebrations Saturday to mark 30 years of freedom and democracy. But much of the enthusiasm and optimism of that period has subsided as Africa’s most developed economy faces a myriad of challenges.
Like many things in South Africa, the school that Kunene remembers has changed, and what used to be a school hall has now been turned into several classrooms.
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
Indonesia declares Prabowo Subianto president
Adrienne Bailon says she spent 'easily over a $1M' to have her son
Suns guard Grayson Allen aggravates ankle injury vs. Timberwolves. Phoenix falls into 0
Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
Catch the Oklahoma Smurf! Bizarre surveillance footage shows blue
Teresa Palmer dazzles in rhinestones and a plunging top in behind
Bam Margera gets into a street brawl in Los Angeles and claims self
English singer Tom Grennan promises 'big risks' with daring new album ahead of Australian tour
With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
Black Dog pub manager hints Joe Alwyn is a 'regular' after Taylor Swift name