What does freedom mean to you?
On Friday we celebrated Freedom Day, a freedom which many fought for against the apartheid government system through decades.
The freedom we enjoy today was only achieved after bloodshed and thousands losing their lives.
Many had to leave their families behind and fled into exile fearing for their lives, while others underwent military training.
The skills which were aimed at fighting the apartheid security police.
As we were celebrating this day and moving forward, I would like us to reflect whether we are indeed free.
Is this the freedom that our struggle heroes and heroines fought for?
As we reflect on some of the achievements we should not forget that we still have the challenge of economic freedom hanging over our shoulders.
We have employees who are exploited daily by their employers, paying them peanuts while they are forced to work long hours.
In the past weeks, we were bombarded with media reports about farmers and bus drivers who are exploited and earning peanuts.
Some of the farm workers who have been living on their employers’ land for decades are forced to vacate the land and have nowhere to go.
We have employees who are not allowed to use the same bathrooms or kitchens even earning the same amount with their white counterparts.
We still have citizens who feel the need to fly the old apartheid flag and use the K word whenever they feel like it.
As we celebrate freedom and sit around a bonfire, can we also reflect on the sacrifices which were made and come up with strategic plans on how we will overcome some of these challenges?
Let us remember, freedom and rights come with responsibility and we as responsible citizens should do what is right and not spit on the legacy that the fallen heroes fought for.
