While many challenges still remain to be dealt with, there's no doubt that significant progress has been made in transforming from a racial-based state into a democratic one.
As some of us have witnessed it directly or from numerous news reports, it is imperative to consider how Freedom Day and this month have influenced the commonly known and branded "born-frees."
These youngsters may not have been able to cast that special vote in 1994 and other national elections that followed, but they understand the value of democracy.
Some were not even born after democracy was attained, but their views really do matter. They are all free to express their feelings and accept who they are irrespective of their demographics, race or religious denominations.
This is unlike how it used to be under the apartheid regime that was full of human right abuses.
With regards to education, the born-frees have equal access to education. Pupils have access to technology like tablets, smart boards and the Internet, which helps them when they are doing research.
Our indigenous languages are also officially recognised at schools, making it easy for pupils to progress.
It's so encouraging that the Freedom Month reflects on the progress made, especially for the youth being arguably the largest portion of the population. We have also seen some economic growth.
- Ernest Hogah
- But one of our greatest challenges is to eradicate corruption that has crippled our democracy.
To do this, we have to convince the "born-frees" to participate in our democratic processes in order to make the decisions needed for our country to recover from sustained political graft.
This letter wins our R200 prize today. Call Nthabiseng at our offices to collect. - Deputy Editor
