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 April 27 is Freedom Day in South Africa 

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I don't consider it a birth right, but I know that what freedom is today is as a direct result of the tremendous sacrifices that were made by generations of young people before me.

And just like being black doesn't define me, neither does the struggle.

In 2010 when I failed my Matric I was faced with one of the biggest disappointments and feelings of hopelessness in my life. Being one of the popular girls in school didn’t make it any easier because everyone was talking about it and some even enjoying the fact that my world was crumbling around me.

After spending a few days in bed crying, I woke up one morning and decided to confront my fears. Taking a step back made me realise that my situation wasn't a disaster, only a set-back.

After getting the necessary information from the Department of Education; I registered to re-write of the two subjects I had failed and within the year I had received my Matric certificate.

I had decided to get a part-time job whilst I waited for registration to open at the college of my choice, and whilst working at Rosebank Mall, I was scouted by a premier modelling agency in South Africa, Ice Models. This year, as well as getting accepted to study Journalism; I was booked to model at Joburg Fashion Week and have even made a few television appearances.

My freedom means everything to me. It is what grants me the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them, or better still, make a success of them.

My experience taught me that education is as much my responsibility as it is the responsibility of my government.

I've joined the National Youth Development Agency as an Ambassador of their Limitless Youth campaign because I would like to tell my story to young people who may feel disillusioned with life, and to assure them that behind every pitfall is an opportunity to utilise their freedom.

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Sat May 25 18:02:47 SAST 2013 ::

Apr 26, 2012

swona

for most people leaving in GP earning less than R15 000,00, paying R4 000,00+ bond and R2 500, 00 for a car, two kids, R1300,00 school fees a month, food, petrol, water and electricity, R1000,00 for parants, this freedom mean E-TOLL!
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Apr 26, 2012

Senganga247

Confession- I opened the article because of her picture:-)
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Apr 26, 2012

SKIZOBANTWANA

Senganga247
Confession- I opened the article because of her picture:-)
=========================================
Same applies to me... tl tl tl
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Apr 26, 2012

MsKinkyakaKamaSutra

Freedom means:
Staying in a squatter camp, no ablution facilities, no running water, no electricity (only the brave ones have bridged); kids travelling 30kms to school, no classes for a week (the teacher(s) and the principal at logeerheads); paying e-tolls, paying for NHI; petrol price increase; making way on the "fre.e"way for the blue light mafias; hike in rates and taxes; children being rap.ed and ki.lled; no Drs at hospitals; rude, incompetent nurses; no medication (due to tender bungle ups)

PS: Dont be surprised if you do not hear from me, my shack would have burnt down and all my possessions gone................. because my neighbour's shack caught fire
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Apr 26, 2012

LittleMissTuffet

I love that the National Youth Development Agency is getting young people on board! LIMITLESS YOUTH sounds terrific - I'm inspired, and Tshepiso, great piece!
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Apr 26, 2012

JajazQueen

Beautiful child...sowetan - I wish to have her contact details please, for my son. I want to be kissing cute grandkids like her.

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Apr 26, 2012

Bourne

Her story might be true, but I totally disagree when it comes to Freedom, she was probably paid
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Apr 26, 2012

truthhurt

Freedom day is just a mass deception to me!
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Apr 26, 2012

Lehipi

These are the kind of stories the youth of Mzantsi must hear about... go tell your story girl" you will be amazed what hope you will give to our youth, some of whom are on the verge of giving up all hope.... this atricle just made my day :-)
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