Freedom Day in South Africa is a moment to pause and reflect, on our past, on how far we’ve come, and on the roads that still lie ahead. It’s a day born out of struggle, sacrifice, and ultimately, triumph.
For young people growing up in a democratic South Africa, freedom is not a distant ideal; it is something they live and breathe. Not without challenges, but full of promise.
To think we now live in a reality where we not only hosted both the Women’s Cricket World Cup and the Netball World Cup in a single year, but also witnessed Banyana Banyana reach the last 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup: milestones that the class of ’76, and anyone who lived through apartheid, could only dream of.
For Portia Modise and Janine van Wyk to share a dressing room and a football pitch as teammates. For Bongiwe Msomi and Khanyisa Chawane to lead the SPAR Proteas as consecutive captains. For Babalwa Latsha to take her talent from Khayelitsha to the UK, representing the Harlequins in English rugby, these are powerful symbols that South Africa is indeed alive with possibilities.
We come from a time when, for decades, black South Africans were denied access to education, movement, self-expression, and even the simple joy of playing sport without barriers.
Today, while the legacy of apartheid still lingers, in the form of high youth unemployment and systemic inequality, a new generation is rising. They are using freedom not just as a right, but as a tool to carve their futures and inspire others.
“Because of freedom, I can choose my dreams.”
Sinonhlanhla Nkosi, a footballer with JVW FC, reflects on the progress made in sport and education, especially for women.
“Freedom has had a massive impact on women’s access to and participation in both sports and education. Historically, women were often barred from competing… but freedom has given me access and choice to play the sport that I love.”
Her journey is about more than football — it’s about rewriting what’s possible.
“With my freedom, I choose to show up even when it’s tough. I choose to invest in myself… and help others by documenting my growth and sharing my journey.”
“I’m free to lead, to inspire, to be heard.”
Taylor Bercovic, also with JVW FC, sees her freedom as a call to action.
“As a young woman, I have the freedom to step onto the field, to be recognised and respected. I want to use my platform to inspire young girls, challenge stereotypes, and promote unity within our nation.”
For Taylor, freedom is a national project.
“My goal is to play a part in shaping a South Africa that is more inclusive, empowered, and forward-thinking.”
“I am becoming the best version of myself.”
Phophi Nematangari, captain of the SA U21 Baby Proteas, embodies the spirit of a generation unafraid to dream.
“I’ve been able to get a good education while being an athlete. I can grow into the best version of who I can possibly become, and be a hope to the next girl who also wants to pursue her dreams.”
“Freedom has given me the space to embrace and be confident in my differences.”
For many athletes, the concept of freedom extends beyond just the ability to compete. It’s about identity, representation, and the courage to stand tall in spaces where they may not have always felt seen.
Zalika Methula, a young South African diver, a rare gem who’s gone beyond stereotypes and excels in a space that is an unpopular amongst people of her race details what freedom means to her.
“Freedom has given me the space to embrace and be confident in my differences. I chose a sport, diving, where black people are underrepresented. I did not allow that fact to make me feel vulnerable, because I have the freedom to choose what I love regardless of the adversities I face.”
That freedom of choice, of self-expression, of unshaken belief becomes a ripple effect.
“With my freedom I can encourage those who feel that their differences don’t bring out a sense of power and confidence. I believe that being different from my competitors has encouraged me to continue living out my dream of competing at the highest level. I now have the freedom to be me and do what I love because I embraced who I am.”
South African Diver, Zalika Methula
Sport has long been a unifier in South Africa. But beyond medals and matches, it has become a space of freedom, where race, gender, and background matter less than grit, teamwork, and passion.
Freedom Day reminds us that our democracy is still young. The journey has not been easy, and the work is far from over. But stories like Sinonhlanhla’s, Taylor’s, and Phophi’s show us what’s possible when freedom is not just celebrated, but lived.
In stadiums, on dusty township fields, and across classrooms and communities, South Africa’s youth are not waiting for change, they are becoming it.
That, perhaps, is the most powerful expression of freedom we could ever ask for.
Main Photo Caption: As we await Freedom Day, hear four young South African athletes shaping the nation’s future through sport, purpose, and the power of possibility through their reliance on the right to Freedom. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Footballer, Sinonhlanhla Nkosi: “With my freedom, I choose to show up even when it’s tough. I help others by documenting my growth and sharing my journey.”
Photo 3 Caption: Footballer, Taylor Bercovic: “My goal is to play a part in shaping a South Africa that is more inclusive, empowered, and forward-thinking.”
Photo 4 Caption: Netballer, Phophi Nematangari: “I can grow into the best version of who I can possibly become, and be a hope to the next girl who wants to pursue her dreams.”
Photo 4 Caption: Diver, Zalika Methula: “I have the freedom to choose what I love regardless of the adversities I face.”
