PRETORIA : It’s Freedom Day

A year ago, right-wing bombs rocked the streets and fearful whites loaded up on candles and canned goods in the apocalyptic atmosphere that preceded South Africa’s first all-race election. Then, for four remarkable days, millions of first-time black voters lined up in the broiling sun and pelting rain to cast off apartheid and usher in democracy.

Thursday, a national holiday called Freedom Day marks the anniversary of that week. President Nelson Mandela will lead the nation in a daylong celebration with a speech from the steps of the capitol building in Pretoria, where he was inaugurated and now rules. The last white leader, now-Deputy President Frederik W. de Klerk, will speak in Cape Town.