Freedom Day!

The first time I visited Freedom Park in 2009 , I had mixed emotions about freedom. I was disturbed by the mindset of the oppressor and inhumanity within it. But at the same time I was touched and humbled by the sacrifices made by selfless leaders and ordinary south Africans for our freedom.

I was proud of where we come from, who we are, and what we stand for.

I wasn't certain if a wanted to be involved in politics, but I was certain that I must make a difference in life. I should return the gift I got to the next generation, by making things better and easier for them. Then at that point I knew and understood  that we all have to contribute in making our country a better place.

After 23 years of democracy I don't have mixed emotions for emotions comes from the heart. But I'm now confused, and confusion happens in the mind.

Because the very same political party that I greatly respect because of what they fought for, they have now become the enemy of progress, stability and equality for many South Africans. And they defend their poor and corrupt governance by playing the "blame game."

Yes, the effects of the apartheid regime are still in South Africa until today. But we will be ignorant if we believe that the problems our nation face today are mainly caused by apartheid.

Freedom should be celebrated without thinking twice. Despite the challenges we are faced with today, we have to agree that today is better than yesterday. However tomorrow should be greater than today, and that the responsibility of all South Africans. We can't keep on dwelling in the past, for the future will always be better than the past, either you believe it or not.

If we really love our country we should stop pointing fingers, we should stop racism, we should unite strength to create initiatives that will create employment and empowerment for every hard working South African. We should be the change we wish to see. We should have a dialogue to tackle issues that create a wall between South African, by so doing we will be embarking on a journey for a genuine reconciliation.

United we have a voice, happy freedom day!

About Eric; Eric is an aspiring social consciousness author, penning his first book titled; The Invisible Victories. ek.shikobela@gmail.com