The Weekend View SAfm

South Africa's journey toward democracy began in the early 1990s with the end of the apartheid era. This era marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with the setting aside of racial segregation and acceptance of multiracial democracy. On April 27 1994, the first democratic elections were held after which Nelson Mandela, became the first black president. This election was the first in which citizens of all races were allowed to participate. TODAY marks the 30th anniversary of the democratic elections and in these 30 years, from the euphoria of freedom to the realities of today, the path traversed has been one of triumphs and tribulations, progress and setbacks. Some have described the country's democratic history as two halves: 15 years of progress and development, where life got demonstrably better for the majority of the population and 15 years of democratic and developmental backsliding.  To explore where SA currently stands 30 years after democracy Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to founder member of the UDF and former cabinet minister Valli Moosa and Political Analyst, Sandile Swana.....

Thirty years since the dawn of democracy in South Africa and in a year of national elections, UNICEF South Africa has just released a manifesto calling for children and young people, to be put front and center in the country's development. Under the theme -  'Manifesto for Every Child in South Africa 2024: Time to PROTECT and PRIORITIZE, the manifesto urges government, the private sector, academia and civil society to engage in and strengthen efforts to protect and prioritize children and build a safer, fairer, and better South Africa for every child. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to  Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative

 Mamelodi Sundowns' search for continental glory came crumbling down LAST night after the they lost 1 -nil against Tunisian giants Esperance in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final played at Loftus Versfelfd Stadium in Pretoria LAST NIGHT. Esperance went into the game with a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg in Tunis last weekend. Esperance will go head-to-head in two legs of the final against two time champions Al Ahly next month. There is however a silver lining for the Brazilians as they have qualified for the World club championship.. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Janet Whitton, SAfm Sports Anchor 

As South Africa marks 30 years of Democracy TODAY, SABC News is gearing up to launch a programme dedicated to marking this important milestone. In the build-up to the first episode of the SABC News' Democracy 30 Project, The Weekend View looks at what South Africa looked like in the days leading to 27th April 1994. Despite incidents of violence and bomb blasts in certain parts of the country, police still assured citizens that it was safe to go and vote in the first democratic polls. Speaking to the SABC, then Police Commissioner, Johan van der Merwe, said police had put measures in place to ensure that polling stations and citizens were safe….

The Mayor of New York City Eric Adams has hoisted South Africa's flag at a ceremony marking the 30 years of freedom and democracy in the Big Apple. The event, hosted by the Consulate General of South Africa and the Mayor's Office for International Affairs, saw the country's colours emblazoned in lower Manhattan with music and entertainment that was unmistakably Mzansi. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports.

Mamelodi Sundowns went down 1-nil against Tunisian giants Esperance in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final played in Tunis LAST NIGHT. The two clubs are battling for a place in the final of the Champions League in a two-legged affair. The return leg will be played at Loftus Versfelfd Stadium in Pretoria, next Friday. On top of that -- Sundowns and Esperance are also fighting for a place in next year's revamped FIFA Club World Cup. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to  SABC Sports Analyst Mathews Mpete for reflections of the game...........