This note is addressed to my fellow 'Born Frees' born from 1992- those who embrace and marvel at being born after the tragic history of Apartheid. I write this note hoping to appeal to individuals who are concerned and passionate about the transformation and reconciliation of South Africa. We cannot simply forgot about our past as it often haunts us in ways we do not expect such as inequality, our cultural capital and the way we interact with people of other races. It is quite saddening that people are still race conscious about their actions - until we decide to pass that bridge - our nation will not heal; South Africa cannot heal itself, we need to start changing our attitudes towards this our non-sexist, non-racial and multicultural nation. The notions of a 'Rainbow Nation and Nation Building' are meaningless until we the people bring meaning through actions.
As 'Born Frees' we are obliged to energize our democracy, keeping in mind the efforts of those who fought for the freedom we enjoy today. Often my Great Grand Mother says "Our mandate was to liberate this country - to create an equal society- but what is the mandate of your generation? I still cannot answer my Gogo's question and she does not stop asking this same question - it bothers me - even worse for her - as she sacrificed for what has happen to be 'a free and equal society'. I can imagine later on - our children will question us - what did we do with our freedom? Did we simply close our eyes and pretended it did not exist, did we strongly embrace it with much emphasis on participation and being involved with holding ourselves and our government accountable for South Africa's political, social and economic growth?
Ideas and Energy is what my generation can offer to this flourishing nation; South Africa needs critical citizens, always prepared to fight against corruption, poverty and crime. We need to be a generation that is upholding and promoting our praised Constitution - in which we all abide by even our President, submits under our Constitution. What did we do with our freedom? Will be a question that will not be silent! The international community is watching our citizenship, our integrity, our transparency and our contribution to the advancement of our society.
The government cannot transform our society with the involvement and participation of our generation. Once again, what is our mandate? Is it thinking less of ourselves, our nation and our future? Is it rather celebrating, embracing and enhancing our democracy collectively. It is imperative that we realize that no one will do it for us - we have to shake, move and make this country run through our commitment to hard work in Schools, Universities and communities.
We need to revisit our values and moral, our experiences and dreams. We need to start pondering on the question of "What will produce the change we want to see in South Africa" --- Lets stand up for our future and be active citizens today.
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