Freedom Day 2025: The Leaders of Tomorrow

It’s a moment to remember how far we’ve come and to reflect on how we can keep moving forward. For young South Africans, it’s a reminder that they have the power to shape the future. They’re the next generation of leaders, changemakers and problem-solvers. Through education and action, they can help build a nation that truly reflects the values of freedom, equality, and opportunity.

Understanding the Weight of Freedom

For many learners, apartheid may feel like a distant chapter in history, but its impact lingers in the inequalities still present in South African society. That’s why it’s so crucial for young people to understand the bigger picture of what Freedom Day really means. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the democracy we have now. By learning about their struggles and courage, learners can see how their own opportunities today are tied to the resilience of the past. This understanding not only builds gratitude but also inspires a sense of responsibility to keep working toward a South Africa where freedom is absolute and equal for everyone.

Education is the Bridge Between History and Action

Education isn’t just about learning facts—it’s about turning what we know into real action. At schools and universities, students build the skills to think critically, solve problems, and grow into leaders. Freedom Day is a reminder of how education can give young people the tools and confidence to tackle big issues that our nation struggles with every day. 

Teachers play a crucial role in this journey. They do more than deliver lessons—they drive curiosity, encourage bold thinking, and empower learners to challenge injustices. By creating a classroom environment where asking tough questions is encouraged, where outdated or unfair systems are analysed, and where innovation is nurtured, educators help shape a generation of problem-solvers who refuse to accept the status quo.

When learners begin to see education as a source of power—rather than just a requirement—they unlock their own potential. They realise that they are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in shaping the world around them. The true impact of education is seen when young people use what they’ve learned to uplift their communities, advocate for fairness, and create opportunities for a better future. This is what Freedom Day celebrates: the ability to learn, grow, and use knowledge as a force for meaningful change.

Building Leadership Through Civic Responsibility

Authentic leadership starts with understanding how you fit into your community and the difference you can make. Freedom Day challenges young South Africans to think beyond their own goals and look at how they can help those around them. It could be volunteering for a local project, speaking up for changes in their school, or helping classmates who face struggles with their education. You don’t need a fancy title to be a leader—it’s about standing up for what’s right.

Being part of a community also means learning how democracy works, why voting matters, and how getting involved can shape the country’s future. Freedom Day is the perfect moment for teachers and families to show young people that their voices and actions can create real change. It’s a reminder that they have the power to make a difference, starting now.

Freedom as a Collective Effort

Freedom Day also serves as a reminder that freedom is a collective responsibility. The support of parents, teachers, and mentors plays a vital role in empowering young people to understand the true importance of the struggles of the past and the responsibilities that come with living in a democracy. By sharing knowledge, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering open conversations about inequality and justice, adults help young people connect with their history and see their potential to drive change. More importantly, adults provide the encouragement and resources young people need to step into leadership roles, whether that’s through education, civic participation, or simply standing up for what’s right. 

A Challenge for the Next Generation

As South Africa commemorates Freedom Day, the challenge for our young people is clear: embrace the opportunities afforded by democracy but also take responsibility for shaping its future. The leaders of tomorrow are sitting in classrooms today, learning skills, gaining knowledge, and developing the values that will define their leadership. And, when previous generations actively support and believe in our youth, they help shape a generation ready to take South Africa’s freedom forward.

Every decision we make—whether big or small—has the potential to contribute to the South Africa we want to see. Freedom Day isn’t just a reflection of the past; it’s a challenge to the present and a hope for the future.

The baton is being passed. Now, it’s up to all of us to teach and support the next generation in running with it. Happy Freedom Day, and happy teaching!

By Chantal Tarling