20 years of freedom

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.

Nelson Mandela inspired many people through his thoughts, words and deeds, not least among them a variety of musicians, from pop singers to opera composers. Songs calling for his freedom reverberated around the world in the 1980s; others celebrating his release inspire audiences still.

Born in a small village in Transkei, Nelson Mandela moved to Johannesburg as a young man. He called several places home over the years, from a backyard shack in Alexandra to an upmarket house in well-heeled Houghton. In his retirement, he divided his time between the city and his rural retreat in Qunu.

Three possible scenarios have been sketched for South Africa's growth. Under Mandela Magic, the country will boom. The National Development Plan is key to achieving this potential of high economic growth, equality and increased employment.

South African election volunteers take their passion for democracy and their party-of-choice manifestos to the people, helping political promises reflect on-the-ground community needs, and building on voter education.

Since 1994, the Gauteng Department of Education has built more than 200 new schools, improved on the province's pass rate, and grown teacher and pupil numbers.

Since 1994, the Gauteng Department of Education has built more than 200 new schools, improved on the province's pass rate, and grown teacher and pupil numbers.