The Soapbox | Where South Africans Speak Out

BY LARA MOSES

I’ve been sitting for days thinking (and procrastinating) about how to start writing about my youth, who and what I am right now and, as cheesy as it may sound, I find myself quoting sports brand slogans like “Just do it” (Nike) and “Impossible is nothing” (Adidas) when thinking about my present and future in South Africa. My present is overwhelmed with every opportunity to receive a better education, my multicoloured friends that refuse to see the colour of my sun-kissed skin and the freedom to walk down streets that my parents could not. I see nothing less than positivity in my future, with so many opportunities literally waiting to be grabbed. And yes, I am fully aware of the global financial crisis which consumes the minds of money-driven business people, but I live in a country where having a job has always been a blessing and some recession will just make our struggle slightly harder.

I definitely haven’t forgotten my past. Your past shapes your future and gives meaning to your present, and my present is who I am now. My past was filled with battles by my forefathers to create a better life for them and ultimately for me. Using words, weapons and will they overcame obstacles that now benefit my life. They stood on the doorstep of death and knocked for the benefit of those to come. Me.

So, I decided to do somewhat of a tribute to those who stood, fought and died for everything that I am now. In all my consciousness, I made my own choice as a 21-year-old youth, of this beautifully free country, to do everything my forefathers fought for in their youth and more.

My experiences started on Youth day. Waking up that morning in the middle of my own life and being able to decide what I wanted to do allows me to recognise my freedom and a fight that has been fought for me already. It made me appreciate the braai with my multicoloured mix-up of friends, the laughter that juxtaposed the screams of 16 June 1976 and our “problems” spoken about later that day.

I felt the need to be a supporter of those who are continuing the difference making, so my next stop was the Multi-Service Centre in Salt River for LIVE IT UP! I was highly impressed by the organisation, commitment and willingness to make a difference by all who were involved and attended this event. LIVE IT UP! is an initiative that allows young people from NGOs to compete and express themselves through dance. Hip Hop was the chosen dance form and showcased their talent with brilliance. The event aimed to encourage the dancing participants and audience to be aware of each other’s social circumstances and battles we all face. Ironically this event allowed me to leave my social circumstances and own battles at the door and just enjoy the amazing company and experience. I was slightly saddened by the fact that the organizers (Hugin Johannesen, Heens Bruce, Sedric Arendse and Lee Sophia Piedt) of this event included foreigners. I questioned the willingness of not only South African youth but also South Africans in general who can make a difference to do so, instead hoping that others will. In the same breath, I must also say, those that are leading the difference making are well supported in terms of numbers… That being bodies — not financially (we are going through a recession after all).

LIVE IT UP! dance event. Photo by Taryn Carr.

I then went walking. I walked up and down streets, into theatres and on beaches with the full understanding that what I was doing was part of my parents’ struggle. I walked down each street with my head held high feeling my freedom as I stepped into every shop and smiled at every person who came my way. I watched each theatre production with my eyes, ears and soul glued to every point and flex of a dancer’s toe, monologue of a one-man play and strum of a musician’s guitar. I splashed in the previously white freezing water of Camps Bay because I could. I am here, young and free. Yes, I am here, young and free.

As my tribute continued I realised that my freedom, education of freedom, willingness to hold onto my freedom and love of freedom is my own personal tribute to my parents and forefathers. It’s their gift to us and the only way I know how to receive it is to live their freedom songs, dance within our freedom together and love doing it. Now I work, play, walk, talk and live within my freedom to the best of my ability because doing anything less would be unjust.

Here I am, a tribute to my forefathers’ battles. Here I am, fighting my generation’s battle. Here I am creating a freedom for the next generation. Here I am, doing everything and more….

Lara Moses is a 21-year-old making the most of a freedom her forefathers fought for.