The first post-apartheid born generation were quickly labeled as the ‘Born Frees’. You are the Born Free’s. Born into a newly free and democratic society you as generation are faced with unprecedented challenges and opportunities.
Of course older generations as well as the media continuously insist that you have an intrinsic advantage over the previous, apartheid generations especially with the 2014 elections fast approaching. The majority of challenges that you as a born free generation face are being diminished as the focus is cast upon the coming of age and their eligibility to vote.
Even though the ability to cast a vote is an important gain it is not necessarily beneficial to South Africa. Research shows a steady decline in the percentage of the voting population that actually participates in the elections. Your born free generation may encounter a struggle with a democracy that is shaped by its apartheid past. South Africa’s society is unequal by design. Previous generations still cling to past morals influencing your political and social ideologies. This has played a large part in the shaping of the current political climate in South Africa, which is not one of racial apartheid but rather one of economic apartheid.
Your born free generation has the ability to make drastic changes within South Africa. The changes do not simply require the generation to vote but call for social, economic and community involvement as well. To your generation, the democracy of South Africa means freedom. Freedom is used to define complete equality, the ability to be true to oneself, safety and the freedom from being labeled or judged, however these are some of the biggest challenges being faced today. The so-called “free” generation that you are part of faces a lack of safety, a spread of disease, a devastating social divide and a variety of prejudices. Problems such as these are meant to be combated by the new democratic policy. However, as a result of corruption within the political system the true nature of democracy, which is one of equality and justice, is being neglected. The neglect of the democratic ideals is a contributing factor to the decline in the percentage of voters and the lack of commitment the born frees show towards the democracy.
You were born into political freedom. You were not oppressed or advantaged by the apartheid regime and therefore feel no connection or obligation to the political parties who freed the country from apartheid. This plays a significant role in shaping the political views and actions of your generation, as there is no party allegiance. Our current leaders are stuck in the past and as a generation you need to recognize and work to correct this over the upcoming years. You have the ability to correct the social divide and the political apartheid mindset over the next ten years.
Overall, you will impact the social and political structure of our country. Within your generation more focus is placed on individual freedom and less on the politics that divide society. Your generation will play a crucial role in the freedom and equality of South Africa as you will bring about severe changes to the democratic parties and policies that currently govern the country.
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