Student 24/7 Apr 2014 | Page 19

Celebrating Freedom Day Malenyalo Molemane On 27 April 1994, for the first time in the history of South Africa, millions of black people queued to cast their votes as a non-racial democratic country. This day is remarkable, because it officially cleared the end of apartheid and it was the beginning of the new era; a democratic state where the citizen of this country (South Africa) enjoy the same benefits, rights, opportunities and freedom. Today we are a democratic country because of our struggle icons such as the late “Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Govan Mbeki” and many others, who made a significant contribution towards the oppressive system that was against black people having a right or say in what is happening in their country. As for this new democracy, we are all equal, irrespective of our differences, skin colour; we have freedom of speech and freedom to express ourselves. Twenty years into democracy, more have being achieved and more needs to be done to achieve the country we SA NEWS wish to have. A country with less social issues and a country that everyone wishes to live in; therefore it is our duty to make it a liberal democratic country. As youth/ students we need to keep fighting against issues such crime, unemployment, poverty, HIV/AIDS to make our country a better place to live in. By celebrating this day with love, respect and dignity we are honouring our freedom fighters, history and remembering those who fought for our freedom.