It is possible for all races to live in harmony

After many years of fighting injustice and imbalance, we made our mark, writes Tshifhiwa Singo Tshivhase from Soshanguve.

The streets were covered with aura of love and tears of joy; the rain had washed away all the blood in the streets; we danced like it was our last dance. Yes, the day was filled with songs, dance and hope for the shining future.

As the crowd move rhythmically to liberation songs, history has been made. It was the first nonra- cial democratic elections.

Who can forget those long queues? We never got discouraged and we never got weary because we knew the bigger picture.

We knew that through those queues we were paving a path for our freedom and the freedom of next generations.

After many years of fighting injustice and imbalance, we made our mark, we voted and the democratic South Africa was born.

The memories of those who fell during the struggle are engraved in our hearts, the memories of Steve Biko, Solomon Mahlangu, Chris Hani, Hector Peterson, Ashley Kriel, Neil Aggett, Sharpville 69 and many others. Their deaths were not in vain.

It has also been a great honour to be ushered into a democratic South Africa by selfless leaders who gave up their lives for the liberation of our country.

Who can forget our great icon, symbol of hope, Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, together with Desmond Tutu, George Bizos and Ahmed Kathrada.

They have shown us that it is possible for different races to live and interact together in harmony.