South Africa commemorates the 27th of April as Freedom day which marks an important day in our history.
30 years agotoday, all South Africans could participate in the first Democratic Election signifying the end the of the apartheid era. Nelson Mandela, the father of our nation was elected as the first democratic President of South Africa. However, does Freedom Day still mean something to South Africans? Is there a reason for us to still celebrate this momentous day?
At times, it feels like this day is simply used as a way for people to have a public holiday, a day to relax, run errands ornot go to work or school. The essence and spirit of the day can sometimes feel lost. Perhaps we need to take a moment to reflect on how important this day is and to acknowledge what it truly symbolises.
South Africa’s history is tainted with oppression, discrimination, inequality and segregation. However, the beauty around Freedom Day is that it reminds us that as a country, we fought together, we stood together and united against apartheid. This is what Freedom Day means – the spirit of fighting for something you love, care for and believe in!
Siya Kolisi highlighted the Freedom Day spirit when South Africa won the Rugby World Cup last year. He said, “People who are not from South Africa don’t understand what it means for our country. It is not just about the game. Our country goes through a lot.” And he is right we do! We face so many challenges like corruption, inequality, discrimination, unemployment and in some cases, we see people having their basic human rights violated in the most devastating ways.
However, Siya highlights something important, “As soon as we work together, all is possible, no matter in what sphere – in the field, in offices, it shows what we can do.” This is spirit of Freedom Day too! That as a country, we have the ability to unite and fight for what we believe in!
The beauty of working at JPCCC is that we have the opportunity to work with people and use these opportunities to encourage them to fight for what they believe in. Whether this is to fight for their beliefs, for their families or themselves. We help them find goals and truly make meaning of their lives. This is the power of reflecting on the spirit of Freedom Day and how that spirit runs deep in all South Africans.
To all those who read this, I encourage you to take a moment, to reflect on something you truly believe in, and fight for it. Taking this path is not easy, just like the struggle against apartheid but we need to take lessons from our history - a history of courage, bravery and perseverance. This is the spiritof fighting for what you believe in. When you do come out on the other side, allow yourself to take a moment and reflect on all your progress, your effort and all that you fought for and to bask in the light and glory of your victory.
To all my fellow South Africans, find the hope, find your drive, persevere and believe in yourself and the change you can make!
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