Freedom Day on 27 April is commemorated each year as the day when millions of South Africans were granted their democratic right to vote in the first democratic elections 21 years ago. Jacobus Myburgh went to find out from ordinary citizens what they think the word freedom means and also whether the day is just another public holiday on their calendar.
Raymond Olivier, a Grade 10 pupil from Hoërskool Monument said freedom lies is the word. "It means that one needs to be free. I don't really know the meaning behind the day so will be spending it just like any other public holiday."
John Modimoen, 52, from Musieville said that he does not have an interest in politics, but that Freedom Day means happiness. “It shoud be a happy day and I will spend my day at work as I just love being there.”Edwin Segone, 48, said he too will be at work on Freedom Day and that is where he will be watching the celebratory event which will be bradcasted on television. “Freedom means that everyone is free and should be together as one.”Oswin Nkgadima, 13, a Grade 7 pupil from St Ursula’s School agrees that freedom is when there is no violence and no xenophobic attacks on other Africans. “Freedom Day should bring people together. I will be spending the day with my family and friends as I believe that is what it should be – uniting each other.”Janine Viljoen, editor of the Krugersdorp News said Freedom Day means that one is able to move freely in one’s country without being discriminated against based on the colour of your skin or your gender. “To be free also means that I will feel safe in my country and that I can share my ideas without being attacked. It is a day where I will be able to spend some time with loved ones.”Thabang Phooko, 13, a Grade 7 pupil from St Ursula’s School said freedom is when everyone is united and living together in harmony. “It means no xenophobia and no violence, We should be free as that is what Nelson Mandela would have wanted.”
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