Freedom Day

A Freedom Day brunch with our dear friends Rod and Fi and a group of mutual friends, set me thinking.

Firstly, Fi asked me to help her set up a blog, because she has been following the blog of a friend in Canada. She (Nicky) wants to write, and is using her daily blog to share what she is doing and to practise her writing. I thought about this Blog which I set up to show my students how easy it is to do, and then never wrote on it.

So - Freedom Day in South Africa. Is it just an annoying "blip" in the middle of a week that already has too many holidays? Is it a chance to kick back, eat too much - again - and spend time with friends? Is it a reminder of the "loss of freedom" so many of my white friends complain about? Is it about service delivery, or lack of it, municipal elections, politics? Is it trying to re-capture that heady day in 1994 when we sat in front of the TV all day, watching what was going on at the Union Buildings, and glowing with pride at being South Africans?

What has changed in 17 years? Is life better for South Africans? For me? For Nic and Ray, all the way in New Zealand? For Sihle, at Varsity and finishing his degree? For Kev, at a multi-cultural Boys' High?

I don't know - life is just life. I'm still proud of being a South African. I still get pissed off when I can't let my dog run on the grass in Alex Park next to the Soccer Stadium, because there is so much broken glass in the grass, or when there is more rubbish next to the bin than in it. I still hate politicians - no matter what their politics or colour - when they talk bullshit. I still hate racists who pretend they aren't. I still love it when the car guard calls me "gogo" and gives me a big grin, or when the car guard at the gym - who's name is Alex and who comes from Zimbabwe - asks me if I had a good workout. I still love being with friends who don't always think the way I do. I love my life - I get on with it - this is home, and I belong here.

So Freedom Day - thanks for the remionder that I am a free SouthAfrican.