A LOT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED SINCE 1994

wrong since the first democratic elections of 1994, a lot has been achieved.

It commemorates the day that South Africa officially closed the door on its ugly past characterised by oppression, discrimination and franchise denial. It was also a day when South Africa, which, because of its apartheid policies had been isolated by the international community, was reintegrated into the world stage.

As a result of the citizens’ collective decision to dismantle apartheid, the country went on to host a number of international sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup and the Fifa World Cup. These events resulted in a number of spinoffs on several fronts, including economic investments, sports development and the expansion of infrastructure.

While it was important to highlight these achievements, it’s also crucial to remind ourselves as citizens that the ushering in of democracy in 1994 came at a high cost.

Several people lost their lives, while some, like former president Nelson Mandela, spent years in prison while others were displaced.

So, in celebrating Freedom Day, we are not only celebrating the milestones which the country achieved since 1994, but are also dedicating the special day to those men and women who put their lives on the line for us to be where we are today. Also equally important is for us to reflect on some of the country’s failures in the past 30 years.

Despite the ushering in of a democratic order in 1994, inequality still persists, poverty has deepened, crime levels have risen and corruption has taken root.