Today marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s history—30 years since the first post-apartheid national elections, a pivotal moment that we now commemorate as Freedom Day. This day, April 27, symbolizes the triumph of humanity, unity, and the enduring spirit of Ubuntu that defines our nation. As I reflect on this day, I am transported back to my childhood, a time marked distinctly by the harsh realities of apartheid.

Growing up under apartheid, the stark lines drawn between races were confusing and painful. As a child, the idea that the color of my skin could determine my worth, my potential, and even my rights was a bewildering concept. I remember looking at my white peers and wondering what made us different. Why were the opportunities and freedoms handed so unevenly? The benches marked “Whites Only,” the schools with resources far superior to ours, and the constant, looming presence of a government that insisted on our separation were daily reminders of a belief system that deemed us less than.

This confusion often morphed into a deep-seated yearning—a hope that one day, the scales would balance and my humanity would be recognized as equal. I dreamed of a South Africa where the content of one’s character would surpass the color of one’s skin, where every child could dream without constraints imposed by racial discrimination.

The first democratic elections in 1994 were not just a political event; they were a profound assertion of dignity. It was the first time that my family and I could stand in line with fellow South Africans from all races to cast a vote that signified more than a choice—it was a declaration that we, too, mattered. The air was thick with anticipation and the joyous tears of people who had never imagined this day would come.

Now, 30 years later, we celebrate Freedom Day not just to remember the victory over apartheid, but to reflect on the journey we have embarked on towards social and economic equality. While the shackles of apartheid no longer bind us, the shadows sometimes linger in disparities and continued racial tensions. Today serves as a reminder of our responsibility to nurture the hard-won freedom and to continue the fight against all forms of discrimination.

As we commemorate this day, we also look forward to what can be achieved. South Africa has made significant strides, but the journey is far from over. Education, economic disparity, and health care are areas where we must continue to strive for equality. Our children deserve a future where their potential is not curtailed by their background, and where diversity is celebrated as a strength that enriches our society.

Freedom Day is a testament to resilience and courage. It is a call to each one of us to uphold the values that so many fought for. As I reflect on my childhood experiences with racism and the stark divisions that characterized those days, I am reminded of the importance of our ongoing commitment to justice and equality. Let us honor this day by recommitting to the principles of freedom and democracy, ensuring that we leave no one behind as we build the South Africa that we all dream of—a nation united in its diversity, standing strong in its unity.

As we move forward, let us carry the lessons of our past with the wisdom to forge a brighter, more inclusive future. Here’s to continuing our journey toward true freedom, equality, and justice for all.