Season 1
Freedom is Not Free is a South African television documentary series produced for SABC Education by Tshedza Media that explores the stories of six significant youths who belong to the 'first generation' of their lineage to be born in a different place and have a different nationality.
Almost two decades years into democracy, South Africa has been a trendsetter in terms of its constitution, and in a way, democracy. Migration and immigration into South Africa has risen more than it ever has in our history. The influx of immigrants continues to be on the rise, be it illegal or legal.
People come from all corners of the Earth into South Africa for different reasons. Some of the children born post-apartheid are first in their lineage to be born in a different country and have a different nationality. These children grow and some are currently in the prime of their youth.
While growing up is a task on its own, imagine growing up with a birthright and nationality different from your lineage. Does one ever belong? What is the perspective and experience with democracy and nationality of the youth who find themselves in similar situations?
Identity issues have taken a twist, especially for the 'first generation.' Do they truly understand the world they are born into? Do they fit into that world? What does the future hold in store for them? What is their understanding of nationality, democracy and freedom?
How do they interact with their peers who are historically of that country?
The six South Africans are Zwo Farisani, a creative director whose family was forced into exile when he was 2 years old; Bruno Nzasibira, a 25-year-old who after the genocide in Burundi relocated with his family to South Africa; Thando Moleketi, a South African born to exiled parents in Zimbabwe; Gugu, a Mozambican who came to Johannesburg to survive; Philani Brown, whose dad is white and mom is black; and Dire, an asylum status Muslim refugee from Ethiopia.
Produced by Tshedza Media, the series was executive produced and directed by Milly Takalani Mulaudzi. The music was by Ms. Isis.