South Africa has had 21 eventful years of freedom. However, some could argue that we haven’t lived up to our responsibilities of ensuring a fairer, more tolerant country. Despite this, 27 April is a day worthy of celebration and deep reflection about what it means to us and how we can take South Africa forward. We caught up with eight celebrities who tell us if the day means anything to them, and what they’ll be doing.
TUMI MASEMOLA
I believe that freedom has to be enjoyed on a more personal level. We have achieved political freedom, we can chose who can run the country. What we lack is more people taking charge and changing the fate of our country. The youth needs to be directly involved in the development of the nation by helping charity organisations or creating jobs for ourselves.
I will be spending the day working on my solo album, which I plan on releasing this year. It is going to be phenomenal!
BOITY THULO
It has become a tradition for me to celebrate my birthday on Freedom Day because my birthday is the day after.
Freedom Day is to me about showing gratitude – being completely grateful for what those who have come before us have done for us.
MS COSMO
I will be celebrating the day at Back to the City (a hip hop event in Newtown, Johannesburg). I’ll be with my friends in the hip hop industry and doing interviews for my radio show.
I think we need to appreciate what those before us have created for us today. From a hip hop DJ’s point of view, I think we should be grateful that we are able to express ourselves freely. I’m happy with our country’s progress.
DINEO MOEKETSI
It’s truly a tough time for South Africa right now, with the xenophobia attacks. We need to extend our freedom to others and show our gratitude by being helpful to them. To me, freedom is about a free mind and stretching you thoughts and actions.
I will be spending the day at Back to the City with friends.
SIPHESIHLE VAZI
Freedom Day to me means realising how far we have come as South Africans.
I will be with my friends, visiting different charity organisations in Soweto.
MAPS MAPONYANE
South Africa is going through a terrible time right now, which doesn’t reflect a positive way to be celebrating our freedom. When we speak of freedom, we cannot be selfish about whom it is for. We need to acknowledge the history behind it, and extend it to others.
I will be in Cape Town on business.
MANAKA RANAKA
I haven’t made any plans yet, but I am certain I will be spending the day with family.
I honestly believe that the day’s significance has been taken for granted. It doesn’t sit well with me. Many South Africans have failed to acknowledge those who fought for us, and not used the freedom to empower themselves. Many young, and most important, black South Africans may be at a disadvantage but they need to stop making excuses and use all their resources to empower themselves the best way possible – they need to hustle, work their butts off and make the best of themselves.
SIMPHIWE NGEMA
I will be working on Freedom Day.
In relation to my work, Freedom Day means I was given the chance to do what I want and express my talent. Freedom has allowed me to do what I love.
