As South Africans officially observed Freedom Day, this past Monday (April 27) in remembrance of the first democratic elections held on the day in 1994, many are now asking themselves, 32 years later, how their lives have changed for the better, other than the freedom to vote.
With crime, corruption and poor service delivery on the rise, residents from the previously disadvantaged communities, are asking where the freedom that they so much longed for, prior to 1994, is. For those fortunate to have a home and a job, living in homes with high security gates and walls, has become a norm, as these residents have virtually barricaded themselves in, due to the high crime, while criminals freely walk the streets, especially at night.
The health care services and education provided by the state are falling apart and Municipalities are unable to provide efficient basic services, as enshrined in the constitution of the country. Nevertheless, more observance than celebrations continued throughout the country, despite many boycotting the events, which even saw a dismal crowd attending the event in the Free State, which President Ramaphosa addressed.
Locally, a number of schools observed ‘Freedom Day’, including Laudium Primary School. The school held an event last Friday, whereby learners were briefed on democracy, honoring ”unsung heroes” of the liberation struggle, and hosting assemblies with poetry, music and flag hosting.
Acting Principal, Murali Padayachy told the Laudium Sun, “We focused on themes of diversity, rights and responsibilities, reflecting on the 1994 transition. We held a special assembly, where learners presented projects on local, lesser-known heroes who fought for freedom. Teachers used resources to inform learners about democracy and the significance of the 1994 elections, which were the first free and fair elections in South Africa. Learners wrote poems, created posters and engaged in drama and dance to express what freedom means to them. This year the theme revolved around, ‘Consolidating and safeguarding our Democratic Gains and Freedom and the Rule of Law’: Thirty two years of Democratic Citizenship. The aim of the event was to ensure that learners understood the historical journey to democracy and their role as future leaders in upholding it.”
