Celebrating 20 yrs of freedom in SA
On April 27, South Africa celebrates Freedom Day, and this year marks 21 years of democracy in the country.
POLOKWANE – On April 27, South Africa celebrates Freedom Day, and this year marks 21 years of democracy in the country.
Like the rest of the country, many Polokwane residents remember this day fondly, as it brought about a new dawn of South Africa’s political landscape, with all South Africans enjoying the freedom to cast their vote, freedom of choice, of speech, and many more.
Residents share with Review what Freedom Day means to them.
“These days Freedom Day is just another holiday where I can be at home with my family and relax. Freedom Day reminds me of the first time I went to cast my vote in the first democratic election in South Africa. I will never forget that day when we went to stand in the queue to cast our vote. The queue was very long and we returned home only to return later that evening to still see thousands of people waiting to cast their vote,” says Peter Mafagane.
Kgetsa Mamabolo says Freedom Day means a lot to him as it means feeling at home in his own country, with South Africans now living equally.
“For me, it is also a day to reconcile with fellow South Africans.”
Bridget Seweli says Freedom Day means as a South African citizen, she can enjoy freedom of speech and she can go anywhere in her beautiful country like all other South Africans without having to fear prohibition. She says Freedom Day must be celebrated in memory of Nelson Mandela.
JC Nel and Ben Dorfling are friends and colleagues and they say they are going to spend Freedom Day on the farm with family and friends.
“We are going to enjoy our freedom by relaxing and escaping the rush of the city life for a while.”
Johannes Thamaga says he celebrates Freedom Day because it was the day he cast his vote for the first time. “I am now enjoying the public holiday like so many other people do on such holidays.”
Elias Radzilani says he will be working on Freedom Day, but he and his colleagues will close shop earlier than usual on Monday.
“We will wear our ANC T-shirts to celebrate this day at the office.”
