I remember as an eight-year-old girl waiting at home with my big brother, as my parents made their way to their closest voting station.
“We don’t know how long we will be, but if you get lonely, you can come and find us,” were my mom’s words to me as she went off to vote in the first ever free and fair election in South Africa.
Big brother and I stared out the window, as we waited, and waited, and waited for their return.
It may have taken many hours, but my parents returned later that day, proud of the change they had been a part of.
I was too young to understand the enormity of that day back then, but sitting behind my desk today, reminiscing about the past 20 years of my life, I realise that the freedom negotiated on this day 20 years ago, was truly a freedom for all. I sit in this office, surrounded by colleagues that I respect and revere. Colleagues from all racial, political and economic backgrounds, each with their own stories, histories and memories.
I want to thank the people who stood up for my right to associate with whomever I please. I want to thank those who made it possible to sing my national anthem and wave my flag with pride and passion.
I don’t care about the drama this country faces. I am proudly South African.
As a 28-year-old woman, I will, as proudly as my parents did 20 years ago, march off to my closest voting station. I will mark my ballot with an X, and I will know that I have done the right thing – I have exercised my rights as a citizen of this beautiful country. I vote South Africa – so should you.
