It’s time to make a change
This morning while I slaved away doing client analysis and project planning (the joys of being an entrepreneur), most of the working class were probably enjoying a lie in. At least I hope you guys did because it’s back to work tomorrow. I’m sure glad K3 did because it gave me time to focus before they hit me with that dreaded word, “MOMMY”. Whatever you did, I hope it was relaxing and that you enjoyed it. I’m pretty sure the reason for the public holiday in many cases were irrelevant and there may be quite a few who don’t quite know that it’s Freedom Day.
I’m ashamed to say that somewhere along the years I’ve forgotten the meaning of the day and it’s just another public holiday. The absolute best is when it means a long weekend. With all that’s happened in our country for the past 2 decades, public holidays have merely become days off work. Although there are many people celebrate the true meaning of it. A quick Google search later I found Freedom Day Explained.
My great uncle came by for a brief visit this morning and as I explained what I do for a living he told me about his earlier career and how it all started out. He’s an ordained minister but that was not always the case. He told me about how he started out in the health sector and how he climbed the ladder and became a very successful ‘person of colour’ (my words not his). Right in the midst of his success he got his calling, left his job and went into full time ministry.
What astounded me was that never once did he use race during our conversation. He worked hard and was noticed and promoted on merit. He praised those who had a hand in his career advancements, not once mentioning what race the powers that be were. It was during the ’70’s so I’m guessing I don’t have to tell you either. Listening to him speak about those days made me realise that even though Apartheid affected our whole country, it didn’t damage everyone and our lives don’t improve by chance but by change. It’s up to us as individuals to make those changes.
Freedom day was the first day all South Africans could vote in a democratic election. While we celebrate the day (or at least enjoy a day off work) many individuals still choose not to cast their votes at elections. Sure I can understand that people feel it hopeless as we seem to be in a downward spiral but really now… If we’re not willing to change (at least our mindsets) then where will we find ourselves in the next 2 decades. Call me naïve but every vote does count.
Right now I’m pretty sure my kids think that Freedom day means freedom from parents because after this mornings “MOMMY” I haven’t seen much of them the whole day. Time to round up my chickens and call it a day.
What significance does Freedom Day have for you?
Surviving Jonkersville 
Really enjoyed this post about your great uncle! We need to hear more stories like this one, we cannot change history, but we can change our reaction to democracy and embracing our freedom and take responsibility and accountability for our actions as free citizens. Only our thoughts can oppress us now. Today I celebrate my freedom of choice…if we had to live in in the 50’s then I would have had no choice in my son’s education. As a colored child with hearing loss he would have only had sign language as a medium. Back then if you were white you were amplified and taught to speak/listen, if you were black it was sign language. Both races were negatively impacted then ’cause you could have a white child who even with hearing aids could not hear a thing, yet he/she were forced to learn to communicate via spoken language, etc.
LikeLike
Thanx for sharing that with me Chev. I really had no idea it ran that deep. It’s for reasons like K’s hearing impairment (forgive me if I’m using the wrong term) and our limited knowledge of similar issues that I get so mad at the people my age and and those younger and their self imposed struggles. So many things happened back then but people choose to focus on inequality on a broad spectrum instead of embracing all the positives that Freedom Day represents.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think this year Freedom Day needed to be something poignant, reflective and emotional for all South Africans. I doubt that it was. You are right about change – and it starts with our own attitudes towards ourselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Could not agree more Dave. It’s starts with us as individuals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I will admit, I am one of those who did not think about the significance of this day. Life merely continued to move on. Thank you for sharing this, and for reminding me of the importance of our heritage!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank your your thoughts on the post 🙂
LikeLike