'Born frees' share their views on freedom

For Tsholofelo, voting for the first time will be an exciting moment. She says she will use her vote as a symbol of appreciation to all those who worked hard and fought to make South Africa free for everyone.

Tsholofelo is among the group of the so-called 'born frees', a generation of youngsters born at the dawn of South Africa's democracy.

SAnews caught up with a few of these youngsters at the Union Buildings today, where hundreds of South Africans gathered to mark this year's Freedom Day.

"It's such a fantastic feeling to be able to live now in South Africa and the fact that I will be casting my vote for the first time next year, it really is a great feeling," says Tsholofelo.

Education 'not where it should be'

"I feel most of us we take the freedom the country is enjoying today for granted and we forget that it took a lot of suffering and sacrifice to be where we are today... We know there are challenges. Our education is not where is should be but what is important is that we all have opportunities.

"Many of us today are able to feel that we live in a democratic country but my wish is for every child to afford a chance to quality education. We also want to see less crime because people will not feel safe when there is crime and fighting."

For Katlego Mathibedi, also 19, not being born under apartheid South Africa meant that she could attend any school in the country and could choose a career of her choice.

"For me the new South Africa means that we can go to schools of our choice and universities of our choice as long as one works hard. I understand that back then, even if your parents could afford to send you to a particular school, it was not possible because of the laws of the government. All that has changed now."

Born on 20 March 1994, Avashnee Maharaj says freedom for her means having a choice to associate and practise her culture in a free society.

"South Africa is such a beautiful country today. There is unity and people are tolerant towards each other and their cultures are respected. I feel in the past things were not fine because of all the separation. I am looking forward to vote for the first time in a free society and democratic country."