20 years of freedom

Over the years, many movies have been made about Nelson Mandela, the latest being the film adaptation of his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom. That outing starred British actor Idris Elba, who follows in the steps of several actors who have played Madiba, only one of whom was South African – Lindane Nkosi.

South African Tourism is building a pilgrimage route following the life and times of Nelson Mandela through the four provinces that shaped his life. The organisation is confident that in time, people are going to see it as "a must-do kind of thing".

On 7 October 1994, Nelson Mandela stood up to address the National Press Club on 14th Street in Washington, DC. On Monday, President Jacob Zuma took to the same podium - but with a somewhat different message from that of Mandela almost 20 years ago.

In the bustling township in Stellenbosch, there are few opportunities for the children. Life is hard and the lack of education means there is little hope of escape. But Songo.info is playing its part to open up a world filled with possibility for them.

At Rena Le Lona in Soweto, children affected by Aids and other challenges are helped to heal from their traumas and grow into well-rounded citizens. All forms of arts are used, and the children are able to explore a range of spiritual and religious practices to find peace.

In 1996 Penny Heyns won South Africa's first Olympic gold medal in 44 years. But as the woman now known as the best female breast stroke swimmer of the 20th century stood on the podium, she had no idea she had just made history.

John Carlin's Knowing Mandela follows Madiba on his release from prison through to the first years of his presidency from 1990 to 1995. He records, eloquently, how South Africa's first democratically elected president tackled the daunting obstacle of keeping the peace while bringing a divided nation together.

Dr Vanessa Naidoo's international career in medicine was inspired by Nelson Mandela's commitment to the health and wellbeing of South Africans. She reflects on her choice to serve as a healthcare practitioner and the importance of Mandela opening up about his son's death...

With helmets on their heads and leather riding boots protecting their feet, bikers selflessly travel across South Africa each year, stopping off to help where they are needed. This year, among their many outreach activities, Bikers for Nelson Mandela Day will hand over handmade blankets.

South Africans are becoming more charitable – the country is bounding up the rankings in the World Giving Index – and privileged citizens are increasing efforts to spread the wealth. Changes to tax legislation will also make it easier for philanthropists to donate money and charities to be sustainable.