South Africa celebrated its upcoming Freedom Day and “30 Years of Democracy” by lighting up New York’s Times Square on the NASDAQ Tower, showcasing the nation’s journey and unity on a global stage.
New York, United States of South Africa (24 April 2024) – Last night, in a dazzling display of pride and unity, South Africa took centre stage in the heart of New York City. An advert celebrating our upcoming Freedom Day and “30 Years of Democracy” illuminated the iconic NASDAQ Tower in Times Square, one of the world’s most prominent billboards.
As the clock struck 6pm in South Africa (12pm in New York), images of our beautiful country graced the screens of the Big Apple’s most famous square, captivating both locals and tourists alike and making headlines on news channels around the globe.
The NASDAQ billboard, often dubbed the “NASDAQ Market Site Tower,” is an impressive digital canvas that spans 929 square meters and stands 36.6 meters tall (10,000 square feet and 120 feet tall). For that special moment, South Africa’s story unfolded across this colossal screen, capturing the essence of our nation’s journey over the past 30 years.
This awe-inspiring campaign is a collaboration between the South African Consulate General in New York City and several partners. And it’s not just a one-night affair; it’s the kickoff to a series of events set to unfold in the coming days to commemorate our “30 Years of Democracy”. Among the planned festivities are a South African flag-raising ceremony with the Mayor of New York and an event hosted by “Shared Interest”, shining a spotlight on our rich culture and shared values.
SABC News US Correspondent Sherwin Bryce Pease was on the ground to capture the excitement, reporting live from Times Square.
This isn’t the first time that our flag has flown high on the NASDAQ billboard. This meaningful partnership is now in its third year, and in 2023, the towering screen showcased an image of the beloved former South African president, Nelson Mandela, in honour of our Freedom Day celebrations.
As we approach the 27th of April, a date etched in our history as the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections, our nation prepares to commemorate Freedom Day. This special day serves as a tribute to the brave men and women who fought tirelessly for our freedom, laying the foundations for an equal, representative, and non-racial South Africa.
Throughout this month, we are reminded to reflect on the remarkable progress we have made on our democratic journey and consider how we can continue to strengthen our democracy for future generations.
Here’s to celebrating 30 years of democracy, and to many more years of progress, growth, and togetherness as a nation!
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