South Africa is to celebrate its 17th year of democracy on 27th April this month. The day known as Freedom Day is a public holiday. This year’s celebrations will take place at the same time as campaigns for the local government elections set for next month.
Freedom Day is celebrated every year in commemoration of the first non-racial democratic elections held in 1994. The significance of this day to South Africans is the constant reminder of the attainment of equal rights for all which should be reinforced in everyday life.
Plenitude spoke to people to find out their views on Freedom Day.
“We lived in a nation that required us to carry our identification all the time. We had no freedom to go to any public toilets or any part of the beach we wanted to be. That was a time of discrimination and oppression. Life was hard. We had no freedom to do what we wanted. The new democratic country has brought to us a new way of life. To me this day is very important because I know where we come from as South Africans, where we had no right to anything,” said 75-year-old Mama Lydia from Jabulani in Soweto.
“I have heard and learned about Freedom Day and I understand that our parents, the people who lived during that time suffered a lot. I also believe that if it were not for them, Mr Mandela, and others who fought for freedom, the country would not be where it is today. We owe it to our freedom fighters to respect and commemorate Freedom Day and continue as youngsters to build a country that will get better every time. It all begins with us as individuals,” said Cliff, a student in Orlando, Soweto.
Ways that South Africans can honour Freedom Day
• Take the opportunity to do something to help others and build our country.
• Readjustyour focus and fight for the ideals that so many were willing to die for.
• Reflect on the voting that took place in 1994 and brought a “rainbow nation” together. Make sure to vote in every election.
• Parents can teach their children about the significance of this day.
• Learn more about your country, visit historical museums and share this with others.
• Schools and communities can help each other on ways to make this nation a better one.
“But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with weaker conscience to stumble” 1 Corinthians 8:9