Freedom for All!

By Ian Ollis, MP

There are two primary “freedoms” that grip the minds of us Africans in the post-colonial context. The First is political freedom… freedom from oppression, slavery, racism and confinement. Historically, freedom fighters took to the streets and formed paramilitary and political movements to purchase freedom through the gun, the pen and the ballot box…. And then all of a sudden Africa was free…

Or so we thought. We were free from Western domination, racism, Apartheid and political oppression of various flavours. We could all vote on common voters rolls for governments of our choice. Except of course that constitutional democracy did not rush in to replace colonialism and Apartheid on nearly the scale expected. In a large number of African countries a kind of pseudo-democracy descended. Even political freedom didn’t free people. Leaders became Lords and voters often became cannon fodder making the new political elite immorally wealthy. However as time goes on, democracy is slowly increasing rather than decreasing in Africa and voters eventually rise up if new oppressive lords don’t listen, and the ballot box is increasingly used to replace governments, as the “weapon” of choice.

Some Thoughts on Freedom

South African thriller novelist Jassy Mackenzie answers the question ‘What is Freedom?’…

Freedom is a word that, for me, has many different connotations when I apply it to the various areas of my life.

Firstly, I am grateful that my lifestyle allows me to set time aside each day to spend with my beloved partner, with my three horses, and also to be alone with my writing. Having the freedom to nurture my relationship and to follow my passions means an enormous amount to me, and having this time and flexibility is something I’ve worked hard to achieve.

Equality for All: A View on Gay Marriage

By Abigail van Schalkwyk, 18, Pretoria

Gay marriage is a source of intense debate; there are many for the legalisation of it, and many who would take to the streets to ban it. South Africa took a step towards true equality when it became the fifth country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. However, this debate is still raging in many of the states in one of most ‘developed’ countries in the world – the United States of America. Arguments against legalisation range from religious views to the protection of marriage. However, the point being missed is the reasons why gay marriage should be legalised – the violation of the constitution, rights and equality.

How Much Freedom Do You Have?

By Khadija Patel

January 2010-

Growing up in post Apartheid South Africa I was taught to revere freedom. Like candy to the urchin freedom was the gift I excitedly cupped my hands in anticipation of but instead of the clamour of coins falling into my waiting palms, I was bewildered.  I smiled my thanks and held on tightly certain only of its fragility. What did it mean to be free?  The horrors of Apartheid were too far removed from me, its legacy was palpable, yes, but its essence was too far removed, too deeply buried for me to identify against. The only world I knew was the one I lived in, its antithesis was only a narrative.

And as teachers and parents to instruct me to be grateful for the mundane, freedom soon became a buzzword.  ‘Freedom!’ screamed the make-shift graffiti on school property jostling boisterously with ‘FTW!’ for pride of place. Back then of course, geeks were yet to reassign ‘FTW’ with the meaning ‘For the win’.