The South African flag and colours are flying high as the nation commemorates Freedom Day on 27 April.
However, for some, freedom remains a luxury despite 27 years of democracy. High unemployment, murder, crime, rape and abuse rates mean not all residents of the ‘rainbow nation’ are celebrating as many still believe that the country will never be completely ‘free’ until the shackles of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide finally are broken. Child Welfare Chatsworth is among those that believe that abolishing all forms of violence and abuse towards women and children should be a priority and that it will be a contributing factor towards a truly ‘free’ South Africa. CWC director, Salochana Moodley, said that there was not much freedom to be celebrated in a country where women and children constantly live in fear and under oppressive environments. “Though we celebrate our freedom, CWC recognises that various prejudicial practices continue to plague our communities. Vulnerable groups such as women and children continue to face oppressive norms that impact on the quality of their lives. They are still being denied their right to freedom due to the increase in social realities such as gender-based violence, domestic violence, and child abuse.”
Almost three decades of being free from the oppressive apartheid regime, the nation is remembering the first democratic elections, held on 27 April 1994, which gave birth to the country’s constitutional democracy. South Africans, who had never voted before, had their dignity restored with the country transforming into a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society. Prior to this, during the apartheid regime, racial segregation which was enforced by the National Party prevented any kind of inter-racial activity. With the announcement and confirmation of the local government elections to be held in six months’ time, on 27 October, Chatsworth residents still believe there is much more to be done, for citizens to be free. Poor and slow service delivery will be among the topics pondered by voters as we head into the polls in October.
Tasha Naidoo, 19, who is looking forward to voting for the first time this year, said the privilege has lost its novelty. “I used to believe that the vote is a powerful tool and that is why our forefathers fought and died for it, all in the name of freedom. However, these days we take voting for granted and vote with our stomachs. It’s all about t-shirts and empty promises from politicians. We are just voting for the sake of voting and not to effect change.” This year, Freedom Day and Month are celebrated under the theme, “The Year of Charlotte Maxeke: the Meaning of Freedom under Covid-19”. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said cabinet has called on everyone to use the Freedom Month and Freedom Day celebrations to continue to fight Covid-19, while striving for greater inclusion and social cohesion. “We all have the responsibility to use our democracy and freedom to work together and unite around a common agenda to build a united and prosperous South Africa.”
Child Welfare Chatsworth together with the management and staff of Chatsworth Tabloid would like to wish everyone a happy Freedom Day.
