Jeppe High School for Boys, Jeppe High School for Girls and Jeppe High Preparatory School held a special assembly to commemorate Freedom Day on April 29.
The day was to remember the lives of the many people who paid the ultimate price in the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa.
The special assembly was attended by the Gauteng MEC of Education, Panyaza Lesufi.
The guest speaker was Nigerian-born Lovelyn Nwadeyi who is known for her thought-provoking speeches.
She graduated with a Master’s in Peace and Conflict and has a unique perspective when it comes to understanding South Africa.
She shared a speech that challenged learners to question what freedom means to them.
She said education is still failing to allow black children to be proud of their history and encouraged the education system to make changes to address such issues.
She encouraged learners not to be comfortable about situations that oppress them but to be the voice of change.
“We cannot celebrate freedom when the poor are still starving. We really need to ask ourselves what freedom is and who is enjoying this freedom,” said Nwadeyi.
Lesufi said Freedom Day is a day of mixed feelings as he remembers those he fought with during the struggle and those who have passed on, but also thinks of the future of the coming generations.
He spoke about the role education can play in addressing issues.
“Times are changing and we need to start teaching our learners for the future because some careers in a few years’ time will not exist anymore because times are changing,” said Lesufi.
He said schools like Jeppe schools are a true reflection of a rainbow nation and prove that it’s possible to have multiracial learners who are all looking at one common goal – education.
When asked what Freedom Day means to him he said, “Love, peace, beauty and unity.”
Guests were entertained with a musical item by a combined Jeppe marimba band comprising girls and boys.
A moment of silence was observed for all those who fought for freedom.
The South African flag was raised and wreaths were laid. This was followed by the release of balloons in commemoration of Freedom Day.
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