Celebrate Freedom Day despite challenges in our country

THE first time I visited Freedom Park, I had mixed emotions about freedom. I was disturbed by the mindset of the oppressor and the inhumanity within it.

Hard to process how a fellow human being can do this to another, I thought.

I was touched and humbled by the courage and sacrifices of selfless leaders who were ordinary South Africans. I was proud of where we are, who we are, and what we stand for.

I wasn’t certain if I wanted to be involved in politics. But was certain I must also make a difference.

I should return the gift I received to the next generation, by making things better and easier for them. I knew and understood we have to contribute in making our country a better place for all.

Today, after 24 years of democracy, I don’t have mixed emotions anymore because emotions come from the heart.

I’m now concerned and confused because the same people and organisation that I greatly respected have become the enemy of progress, stability and equality for many South Africans.

They defend their poor and corrupt governance by playing the “blame game”.

Yes, the effects of the apartheid regime remain, but we would be ignorant and foolish to believe all the problems our nation faces are mainly caused by apartheid, after 24 years of freedom.

Freedom should be celebrated by everyone without thinking twice.

Despite the challenges we face we have to agree that today is better than yesterday. And tomorrow should be greater than today.

The responsibility of every South African is to contribute with humility to make our blessed and beautiful nation a better place.

We can’t keep dwelling in the past, for the future will always be better than the past.

We can’t change the past, but we can definitely change the future. If we really love our country we should stop pointing fingers and start taking responsibility.

Some genuine remorse, some genuine forgiveness will give birth to a genuine rainbow nation. We should oppose all racism because the side effects of racism hold us back until this day.

Let us all unite to create initiatives that will create employment and empowerment for every hard-working South African. We should be the change we wish to see.

We should have a dialogue to tackle issues that create a wall between South Africans and by so doing we would embark on a journey to genuine reconciliation. United we have

a stronger voice of hope.

PICTURE: THOBILE MATHONSI Visitors tour Freedom Park in Pretoria.