President Jacob Zuma led celebrations Sunday to mark the 20th anniversary of post-apartheid democracy in South Africa, saying the country is closer to achieving the dream of a united, multi-racial nation, AFP reports.

“We have done well in the past 20 years,” Zuma told a crowd gathered for Freedom Day celebrations at the Pretoria Union Buildings. “We have moved closer to our cherished dream of a united, non-racial non-sexist democratic and prosperous South Africa. But we still have some way to go to eradicate poverty, inequality and unemployment.”

Zuma, dignitaries, and foreign diplomats, gathered to reflect on the struggle against apartheid and the efforts to build a better country, HuffingtonPost reports.

The anniversary precedes May 7 elections. The ruling African National Congress is expected to return to power with a smaller majority than in 1994, reflecting discontent. The ANC fought white domination underground for decades before Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president.