South Africa is celebrating 30 years of democracy this year. The team at Bloemfontein
Courant spoke to a few residents to hear what their thoughts and feelings are about this
year’s Freedom Day, celebrated on 27 April. Here is what they had to say:
Thami Binda
“To me, freedom means the ability to make independent decisions for my life and that of my family, the right to speak my mind and act in ways that are not in contravention of other’s rights. Indeed, in some parts of the country, we see a rise in oppression where people are not free to express themselves and exercise their rights publicly. Freedom of religion is currently under siege. In the next 30 years, I hope for a truly democratic and free South Africa, where racism and its ugly ramifications will no longer be an issue, where we can live in a more tolerant society.” PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Mario Lategan
“Freedom is embracing oneself, liberated from past thoughts and beliefs. Being unapologetically me defines true freedom. Over time, my freedom evolved through friendships, circumstances, and experiences that shaped a deeper understanding and expression of my true self. In the next 30 years, I hope for widespread personal liberation, as individuals let go of the past and embrace a brighter future.”
Jeanre du Preez
Freedom Day marks the pivotal transformation of South Africa. “When I contemplate freedom, I envision words like growth and opportunity. Having the ability to explore without constraints is an absolute privilege.” Du Preez advises the next generation of South Africa to cherish Freedom Day. “Recognise that we stand on the shoulders of giants who fought on our behalf, securing a future in our country. Freedom unites us as South Africans,” she said. PHOTO: YOURMEDIASA
Lenthea Jantjies
Freedom Day for her resembles the victories in South Africa – “for each and every South African to have a voice and opinion. It gives every South African the opportunity to dream,” Jantjies said. She also mentioned that Freedom Day helps her raise a confident son. “I can teach my son to stand up for himself. I can teach my son to dream. I can teach my son to have his own voice and not live in the shadow of anyone,” Jantjies concluded. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Mani Kotzé
“Freedom is the ability to choose and express myself the way I want to. With freedom comes risks, and when executing your right to freedom it must be done in a responsible way. Freedom also brings a lot of change over time and that can be seen in South Africa over the past three decades. Some changes were for the good but unfortunately where there was a lack of responsibility, the change sometimes had a negative outcome. I hope that in the next 30 years there will be more positive change in order for those groups and individuals who have not experienced freedom to have a chance to experience it.” PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Rev. Ashe Steenbok
“Whilst we are now a free and democratic society – it is difficult to explain the disparities that still exist. How can one explain children and families living in shacks, unemployment, lack of pay, pit toilets, crime etc. to someone now? Apartheid set the country on a route of heartache that will take generations to correct,” he said. “31 years ago my father, Rev. Verner Steenbok, passed away when I was in Grade 11. He dreamed of a country where children of God can worship together and in honesty and sincerity call each other brother and sister. He missed this dream and I strive for that in my ministry in the new South Africa.” PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Veronica Naicker
“My husband and I are children of the apartheid era, and on the 27th of Aprill 1994, all that changed. So to us that day was the birth of a new South Africa. Now we can celebrate the fact that all races come together to try to make this a better place for all.” Naicker with her husband, Marlin, daughter Makayla, and her niece Anshay David. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Refilwe Xaba
“Freedom Day will always echo the sounds of liberation for South Africa. On this day we had our first democratic elections. Men and women laid down their lives while standing against the injustices of the apartheid government. And for this, Freedom Day should never lose its significance in South Africa. I believe that when men and women casted their first democratic votes in 1994, they hoped for a future that was inclusive and united both socially and economically. Although much has been achieved, one can’t help but wonder if they have to wait another 30 years to live in a nation that is inclusive and untitled in all spheres of governance, civic and economic structures as well as grassroots level communities.”
