Commemorating Freedom Day by Alfred Ndhlovu

It was 27 April 1994 when Nelson Mandela first spoke to the world as the newly inaugurated President of South Africa.  Now known as Freedom Day, it is seen by South Africa’s youth – who were all born into a post-apartheid democracy – as a day of national celebration.  Yet, for older South Africans, it has a much deeper significance. One of our Net Blazers shares below the conversations he’s had with people in his community to capture their recollections of a day they’ll never forget.

COMMEMORATING FREEDOM DAY – By Alfred Ndhlovu

April 27 marks the day when South Africans from all walks of life were able to go to the polls and vote for their choice of government. Finally, the day they were waiting for had arrived: the day, for the first time, that they were recognized as citizens, that they felt a sense of belonging in their own country. It was a day filled with tears of joy.   

During the last month, I gave myself an opportunity to interview people that stood in line to vote in 1994 and I was very happy to hear some of the good memories:

“I remember that day very well. I was so happy that now I had freedom of my own choices and could move around, anywhere, without having to produce an identity document”. 

“It was the day that made me feel human in my own country and that I was equal to anyone”.

And I had to laugh a little when one old man told me:

“Now, I thought, I can buy a car, any car I want to drive, and I can also drink any expensive bottle of whiskey!”

Freedom Day gave our people hope. It made South Africans believe that people are equal before the law and that we could choose whom to put in power and trust with service delivery. For the first time, those who had fewer opportunities in the workplace could choose to do any work they would wish.

Above all, 27 April 1994 brought all races together, fulfilling the prophecy of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, that South Africa could be a Rainbow Nation.

As a young person in South Africa, all I can say is that this day marks a breakthrough in our country’s history of Apartheid. We should rejoice and give honour to those who fought for Freedom Day and especially those who died before they saw the fruits of their labour. 

May God bless South Africa and all her people.

What Next? Crunch Time for Matrics (aka 12th Graders)

Now is the time our Grade 12 Net Buddies are making the big decisions about what to do when they finish school in December and it’s a LOT for them to navigate – particularly without formal career counseling in school or anyone at home who can provide the necessary guidance.  

Although places are only confirmed after they’ve received their Grade 12 exam results, college applications and provisional acceptances are based on academic results attained at the end of Grade 11. So our teens are under pressure to perform exceptionally well for two solid years. (Difficult enough for well-off kids with access to technology and home comforts, but a very big ask for teens with inadequate resources and, often, no electricity!)

Yet their tenacity and determination to work their way to a better future get them through. Along with support from our Infinite Family network, who help them explore potential areas of study, identify colleges and universities that offer courses of interest, establish entrance requirements, complete applications, and – most importantly - find scholarships.  

Earlier this week, our Program Director Zoleka Maphalala worked with Net Buddies Zizipho, Hope and Refiloe to get the process started.

Sharing the Love

Whatever the reason for getting into volunteer work, there’s nothing to beat the feeling of knowing you’ve done something to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.  And, in the case of our Net Buddies and Mentors, it can be the start of a relationship that continues long after school days are finished.  We recently received a beautiful mail from Katlego (who joined Infinite Family way back in 2014), to let us know the program is still making a positive difference in his life and he and his Mentor have stayed in touch even after their official mentorship ended in 2016! 

So, if you ever doubt the impact of what you’re doing for our teens, please stick this to your refrigerator or bathroom mirror to remind yourself.  

The role you play in our Infinite Family matters!

With love and heartfelt thanks from all of us.

Net Buddies and Video Mentors are the heart of our Infinite Family

Click here to see the Mentorship and Member Anniversaries we celebrate in April.

Thank you for being our Infinite Family

"She gives me extra knowledge.." ~Net Buddy Dingani