WE CELEBRATE THE
HEROES EASTERN CAPE
OF THE
Port Elizabeth showcases those who fought for our equality
6
Reflections on Freedom 2013
By Divinia Pillay
I feel the projected pride and the hope of those who brought democracy to South Africa when I walk along Route 67 in the historic queue comprising the shadows of those waiting to cast their votes. I move around the cylindrical structure on which symbolic figures are displayed and reach the end where I see a representation of Nelson Mandela, a symbol of true leadership and a light for hope, his freedom fist in the air. I transport myself back to that day. Eleven years old, I was too young to participate in the first democratic election, but old enough to understand that something big was happening. The concept of the South African rainbow nation was still quite foreign to South African people suffering from a divided past. One of my grade five classmates constantly fought with me in the weeks leading up to the election. Her father, an employee of the South African Police Service, was clearly under the impression that the election would result in a barbaric bloodbath.
In our home, there was no such talk. My parents seemed to know that the events would be orderly. It was as if they knew the time for change had definitely arrived and South Africa was going to become what it should be. The day arrived and the TV was on, set on one channel for the entire day. I don’t remember our home being tense that day. It was quite calm. The images of the thousands of people standing in line to cast their votes on that day brought a sense of excitement, but calm at the same time. Now as I walk alongside the shadows of those who physically took a long road to freedom, the artistic structure, a part of Route 67, I cannot help wanting to be a part of that legendary day, April 27,
