Joel Masilela ka Mahlangu Tshwane ANC Regional Spokesperson photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By Councillor Joel Kgomotso Masilela
Freedom to me means the distinctive ability to express my feelings as well as of those around me; being with my family, friends and the general public.
It is important to reflect on what Freedom means and how it is supposed to work for us and we must also contribute immensely towards defending it so that its benefits spread down to the coming generations.
Our freedom includes freedom to vote, association, speech and movement.
The freedom to being protected and to protect others, including nature, environment and those who are vulnerable is also important.
Freedom to live where I want to must be guaranteed but that doesn’t mean invading someone else’s property and creating a sense of brutality while enjoying my rights while others are left in pain as a result of my actions.
Freedom to study and develop and to contribute towards the development of the state is crucial as it allows the state to cater for the needs of our people.
Freedom to seek and get proper medical intervention which will be brought about by schemes such as the National Health Insurance (NHI) is important.
Freedom means enjoying life and also helping others to feel and experience enjoyment in their own spaces as we aspire to create an environment whereby all people live freely, safe and are able to find work, study opportunities, and equal protection under the Constitution.
We all bear the responsibility to defend the very freedom that we have against those who may want to dismantle it.
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