CAPE TOWN - Former president Nelson Mandela's release from prison was a turning point in our history.
Wednesday marks exactly 36 years since the late statesman walked free after 27 years on Robben Island.
Mandela's release from the then Victor Verster Prison was a pivotal moment in the liberation struggle and the dismantling of apartheid.
One of the officials involved with the release committee at the time remembers the mood outside the prison.
"We didn't anticipate the numbers as Mandela was starting to walk out, people were starting to come towards Mandela and the entourage that was with him, we had no option but to retreat," said Whitey Jacobs.
"So we then retreated to the cars, they wanted to shake his hands, there were hundreds of people there. There were thousands of people there, so we could not allow that, because we didn't know what would happen."
Thirty-six years on, and these freedom fighters believe there's still time to improve the lives of all South Africans.
Many, however, fear that the noble ideas they fought for are being discarded at the expense of citizens.
- eNCA's Kevin Brandt has more.