Freedom Day is one of 12 public holidays that hold a special place in the hearts of South Africans. Commemorated on 27 April every year, it marks the day that the country held its first democratic national election.
For the first time in the history of South Africa, men and women regardless of race queued for hours to cast their ballot in the country’s first ever one-person one-vote election. Acacia Primary School in Verulam commemorates this historic day every year by teaching their learners about the hardships faced by many South Africans pre-1994. Grade 5 learner, Adriella Chetty,10, said she understands that without the scarifies made during apartheid she and all her friends will not be able to enjoy the freedom her parents and grandparents did not have at her age. “We celebrate Freedom Day in honour of the first non-racial election in 1994. We remember the brave hearts that fought for our freedom. One hero is Nelson Mandela who became the first Black president of our country. Viva Nelson Mandela, Viva.”
Another learner, Kayleen Choonoo is 13 years old and is in Grade 7. She said, “When freedom came people danced and cried with joy as they knew Nelson Mandela was about to be the new president of a new South Africa. From Black, White and those in-between the words ‘Rainbow Nation’ came alive. On 27 April we will renew the promise as we all share in the bounty of our beautiful democracy.” Principal Visvanathan Govender said South Africans need to celebrate Freedom Day annually with strong passion as it was a hard-fought freedom. “Our children enjoy the fruits of freedom which came with tremendous sacrifice. With this right they have the responsibility to act in a patriotic and responsible manner.”
