CELEBS TOAST FREEDOM DAY

Freedom Day was celebrated with flair across South Africa last Friday.

The Weekly spoke to some of the artists performing at the provincial celebration at Bohlokong Stadium, Bethlehem to find out what the day means to them and how they celebrate their freedom.

One of South Africa’s most talented stage performers and dancers, Chomee Madihlala, said Freedom Day is another opportunity to do the right thing as a citizen of the country.

“My understanding of the day lies firmly within the vision and ideals that Nelson Mandela had for this country. Freedom means equal opportunities and equality for everyone. Freedom Day is one of the most memorable days and a reminder of just how far we have come since the abolishment of apartheid and an oppressive government.

“This day reminds us that people can overcome adversity. It also serves as a reminder of how bad things can become if we do not all take a stand against the likes of segregation and other unfair conditions.”
She said Freedom Day must reminds South Africans how the country has progressed.

“This day is not only for some individuals, but for everyone living in South Africa, young and old, to know where we have come from. I am Chomee today because I am free to sing the music I want and do everything I want. However, I do not think everyone is aware of the importance of this day and we need to keep on telling the young generation about the importance of this day.”

One of the country’s first Top 10 Idols finalists, Wepener-born singer David Fourie, said South Africa may be a young democracy, but it has achieved a lot and it is alive with a lot of potential and possibility.

“I believe that freedom means you have the right to be yourself. Someone once told me that if you let people make you feel bad about yourself, it is your own fault. You cannot let other people’s negative perceptions get to you. You have the right to feel good about yourself and the person you are. After all, you are the best version of yourself.”

He says entertaining South Africans is the best way to honour those who fought for SA. “I spent the day celebrating with people by singing for them and ensuring that every South African citizen enjoys the day, mindful of the fact Freedom Day is a good day, with a great meaning of justice and bringing humanity back to the people.”

Free State gospel singer Teboho Moloi said Freedom Day means many things, including responsibility and hard work.

“It is also more than that because the day marks an important milestone in our history. It marks a day that has given us back our dignity. With the recent events happening in the media with girls being raped and pictures and videos taken, it indicates that our society needs to be reflective of the responsibility of freedom, it all starts with the adults and that will trickle down to the young ones. I do not wish to ever go back to pass laws or apartheid, but we need to assist the government in attaining the ideals of a society that we aspire to live and thrive in.”

Moloi added that the day marks a celebration of freedom and democracy.

“It is an acknowledgement of how far our country has come. We also have the responsibility as a nation to make sure we continue to free our people from the scourges left behind by apartheid. It is a day when we celebrate what South Africa is really about. It is about freedom for all South Africans, regardless of race and culture, to be free to express who we are, without prejudice. It is about celebrating our differences, not judging them.”