Thousands across the country on Tuesday marked the country's first democratic elections by celebrating Freedom Day.

"On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the people of the Republic of South Africa as you celebrate the sixteenth anniversary of your democracy.

"The April 27, 1994 elections were the culmination of decades of struggle and opened a new era of equality and opportunity in South Africa," said Clinton.

She said South Africa's story serves as an inspiration to people around the world who are yearning to be free.

"Your progress is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of democracy," she said.

Clinton said the partnership between South Africa and the US is rooted in shared values and common aspirations.

"Our two countries share the goal of ridding the world of discrimination in all its forms, promoting broad-based prosperity and opportunity, and supporting democracy and the rule of law," she said.

Clinton added that the two countries had much to learn from one another and that there is a lot to accomplish together.

"The US-South Africa Strategic Dialogue that we launched last month provides a framework for meeting our common challenges," she said.