For the average man in the street, freedom means the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints from other individuals, organisations and even governments. This is what the people of South Africa celebrate on Freedom Day.
Freedom Day
Freedom Day is a public holiday in South Africa and is celebrated on 27 April each year. The day commemorates the first democratic, non-racial elections that were held on this date in 1994 and saw Nelson Mandela elected as President of South Africa.
“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desire”, said Nelson Mandela. He added: “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”.
In the years after 1994 the people of South Africa gained many freedoms as recorded in our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The latter is widely recognised as one of the most developed charters in the world.
How to celebrate Freedom Day
Freedom day is a memorable event throughout South Africa. National celebrations are aimed at conveying the message of unity in diversity and a better life for all.
This is not just another holiday, says the South African Department of Arts and Culture. The Department encourages the people of South Africa “to come together, rebohle, sisonke, sibanye and work as one nation not forgetting the quest for freedom that consumed the lives of those who fought so hard for it”.
It is also a time to heed the words and warnings of other wise men and women. Here are some examples:
“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought. When freedom does not have a purpose, when it does not wish to know anything about the rule of law engraved in the hearts of men and women, when it does not listen to the voice of conscience, it turns against humanity and society” (Pope John Paul II).
“As long as South Africans are jobless or homeless, or suffer from preventable diseases and ill-health, or live in fear, danger, ignorance or despair, then we have not yet attained our freedom and there is much more to be done” (Helen Zille).
“The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them” (Patrick Henry).
Despite these dire warnings and although there is still much to be done, South Africans do have cause for celebration. Cities and municipalities, businesses and organisations as well as individuals are free to organise their own Freedom Day celebrations. Check out the options in your local newspaper or radio station or organise your own celebration.
Sources
Freedom Day. Retrieved from: http://www.officeholidays.com/countries/south_africa/freedom_day.php
SA role in international affairs lauded. 2014. Retrieved from: http://citizen.co.za/166631/sa-role-international-affairs-lauded/.
Quotes about freedom. Retrieved from: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_freedom.html#ZlSBQLbh7D4ISXOa.99