As the country commemorated Freedom Day yesterday, Wednesday April 27, Vukani took to the streets to find out how people feel about this important day and what challenges they feel we as South Africans still face.
Freedom Day marks the commemoration of South Africa’s first democratic election after the fall of aparthied.
Nyanga resident, Zama Dubase said the day should always be commemorated because many people have sacrificed their lives for this current generation to be free.
“People need to acknowledge that this not a day to party or drink, but it is a day that reminds us about where we come from as the nation.
“We should always be gratefully to those who took a strong stand against the apartheid regime,” he said.
Lifa Msasane, of Gugulethu argued that we should not celebrate Freedom Day because many South Africans are not yet truly free.
“Black people are still living inhumane conditions yet we say that we have attained freedom. For me this is just an ordinary day,” he said.
Luzuko resident, Nosipho Bebi told Vukani that the day is one of the most important days in South Africa’s calendar.
“People are no longer carrying dom passes and people now are allowed to live anywhere they want.
“This day should always be remembered as one of the highlights of our freedom,” she said.
Gugulethu resident, Phumelelo Gcantsi believed that Freedom Day should always be commemorated and that there is a lot that still needs to be done to make people understand the importance of freedom.
“People need to acknowledge that freedom was attained through blood and sweat. Government should build monuments and heritage sites in townships so that people can learn more about their history and maybe they wont take this day for granted,” he said