Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Ahead of Freedom Day on 27 April, and the 18th anniversary of the new South Africa, political activist Amina Cachalia shares her memories of Nelson Mandela's inauguration as the country's first democratically elected president.

The Voortrekker Monument, cultural bastion of the Afrikaner people, is to be declared a Grade 1 national heritage site by the South African government in March 2012. Grade 1 status signifies that the building is of national significance.
• SA marks first steps to democracy

The South African government recently announced that it will undertake a massive nationwide route project that will honour the heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle.
• PE launches heritage walk

In a gesture towards nation-building and reconciliation, the South African government is to declare the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria a national heritage site, while unveiling a series of monuments to celebrate the heroes and heroines of the country's struggle for liberation.

Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and prominent anti-apartheid icon, will be the first living person to appear on South African banknotes.
• Mandela: a remarkable 92 years

The world-famous South African magazine Drum, which gave early momentum to the African nationalist movement and produced renowned journalists and photographers, has turned 60 years old.
• New Forbes Africa out in SA

Visitors can relive South Africa's turbulent history by walking the route that protesting Soweto school students took on 16 June 1976 - the day that marked the beginning of the end for the apartheid regime. The entire path has been declared a heritage trail.

Mother of the nation, heroine, dignified leader of the struggle against apartheid. These were some of the phrases used to describe the late Albertina Sisulu during an official memorial service in Pretoria on Thursday.

Bafana Bafana’s recent wins in World Cup warm-up matches have whipped South Africans into a frenzy – especially in Pretoria, where the national football team secured a nail-biting victory over Denmark on 5 June.
• SA buzzing with World Cup spirit