What does Freedom Day mean to you?

It's been 24 years since South Africans took to the polls for the country's first democratic election.

Freedom Day, which is celebrated on April 27, means more than just being free from apartheid. Many human rights groups and NGOs believe citizens should also be free from poverty, sexism, unemployment, and any kind of discrimination.

A lot has happened since April 27, 1994, but there is still much more that needs to be done to make South Africa the rainbow nation Nelson Mandela dreamed it would be. 

East Coast Drive presenter Bongani Mtolo says he remembers the day like it was yesterday.

"When I think of Freedom Day, I was 12 or 13 at the time, I remember when I was staying at my uncle's day in Umlazi. My dad told me that it was going to be a day that we remembered for the rest of our lives. It only made sense to me now that I'm older," he says.

Bongani adds that Freedom Day means being aware of the freedoms we have.

"We often complain about things that we don't have, but we have way more than the people who died, and didn't get a chance to enjoy what we now have. Freedom comes with responsibility. We celebrate, but forget the responsibility that comes with it. I normally spend the day reflecting on the freedom I have, to try and assist as many as I can. Last year I spent my freedom day at a children's village. I'm still deciding what I want to do to celebrate the day"

Sbu Nxumalo from Early Breakfast agrees. He says Freedom Day reminds him to do what he can to help make SA a better place. 

"Freedom day reminds me of where SA has come from, and what potential we have. On a personal level, it reminds and motivates me to better this country - by doing something as small as serving people." 

He says the day is also a way to remember the stalwarts and the leaders who fought for our right to be free.

"Let us use the day to give back to the community and celebrate our right to be free." 

Freedom Day is a day of reflection for Jane Linley-Thomas. 

"When I think of Freedom Day, I reflect on those who fought for this beautiful country we call home. For me, I can't help but be thankful for the day, especially for my kids. They have the freedom to be who they really are. They have the ability to love who they want to love, do what they want to do and just be themselves. I can't really ask for anything more, but I certainly hope that we as South Africans use the day to look back, reflect, see how far we have really come as a country, and most importantly celebrate the right to be free."

What does Freedom Day mean to you? Share your views in the comments section below.

ALSO READ: Mags shares her favourite KZN hangout spots