This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the dawn of the freedom for all South Africans.
April 27 is symbolic of both the promise and potential of the nation and of what can be achieved when united.
South Africa made great strides with the help of inspirational leaders who worked towards political freedom.
Yet, in honouring our freedom, we must reflect on the state of our democracy and what is stopping us from moving forward as a nation.
What cannot be denied is that our freedoms are being abused by those who have no respect for the constitution, undermine the Bill of Rights and the ideals of non-racialism that bind our society together. We face the potential of being more divided than ever.
Our nation is in pain right now. Over nine million South Africans are unemployed. This affects the poor who will not cope with rising food and transport costs. Many more South Africans will lose work and we risk blocking an entire generation from opportunity.
The best gift this Freedom Day can provide is to give our people the gift they deserve – “freedom for all and not for some”.
It is time for total change and that has started with the building of a mass movement to protect our constitution, unite in our diversity and build our economy to create the equality of opportunity our nation deserves.
This will not be easy. It will require hours, weeks and months of hard work by a new generation of South Africans that want lasting freedom and equality.
Ward 57 councillor Faeeza Chame
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