Marking the birth of the Rainbow Nation, Freedom Day is celebrated to mark the first democratic elections held in South Africa.
Every South African, regardless of race and creed, was given an equal voice in selecting the nation’s leaders. Famously, Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress were victorious on April 27 1994 ushering in majority rule for the first time in the modern era. A few learners from across the Northside share their thoughts on what Freedom Day means to them:
Skye College Grade 8 learner, Iviwe Dondolo:
“Freedom Day is a day when all races could come together and accept each other. Everyone got the right to choose the destiny of the country. It is also a day when we celebrate that Nelson Mandela fought for freedom and we remember all that he did for South Africa.”
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Skye College Grade 8 learner, Kristen Biago:
“To me, Freedom Day means it was the first day that everyone could vote no matter their race. It also celebrates what Nelson Mandela fought for, even though he went to jail for 27 years. I think Freedom Day is awesome because there is no more judgment on race or skin colour.”
Skye College Grade 7 learner, Vhulenda Muenda:
“Freedom Day means a lot to me as it represents that we now have the freedom to do the things we couldn’t have done in the past. I also think that the youth don’t care about voting and Freedom Day as much as they should. Young people complain about the government and how they not doing what we want them to but then most of the time they don’t vote when elections come around.”
Charterhouse Head Boy, Ethan Lazarus:
“Freedom Day to me is something that brings great happiness. It is a day to remind us that all people should be treated the same.”
Charterhouse Head Girl, Lebo Ngobese:
“Freedom Day brings joy as there is no more inequality and no more bullying based on race. Everyone is now free to express themselves as they want.”
Panorama Primary School’s Mo Ntsako Mathebula:
“My choice for freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.”
Also read: Mrs Universe Africa finalists spend Freedom Day at Dorah’s Ark
Panorama Primary School’s Tafadzwa Shumbayaonda:
“To me, freedom means that all people, whether black or white, rich or poor can live together in peace, love, and harmony.”
Matric leaders from Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel:
“Freedom Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress and renew our commitment to building a better South Africa. It is a day to honour the legacy of those who fought for freedom and recommit to the struggle for a more just and equitable society”.
