It has been 30 years since apartheid officially ended in South Africa, and the country transitioned to a democratic government. To mark this milestone, South African independent publisher Jacana Media has released Liberation Diaries: Reflections on 30 Years of Democracy, a collection of essays edited by Busani Ngcaweni.

In 2014, Ngcaweni edited a similar collection of essays commemorating 20 years since the end of apartheid. This new collection builds on that success. In 26 essays by some of South Africa’s most prominent thinkers. The contributors reflect on the past 30 years, looking at how far the nation has come against the backdrop of the dreams and expectations surrounding the birth of democracy in 1994.

The book has been described as “a must-read for anyone interested in South African politics, history, and culture” and “serves as a touchstone for the 30th year of democracy, sparking important conversations about the country’s past, present, and future.” Contributors include Amos Hadebe, Khaya S. Sithole, Helena van Urk, Nompumelelo Zungu, Tshepo Madlingozi, Sihle Booi, Wandile Sihlobo, Ylva Rodny-Gumede, Oscar van Heerden, Zukiswa Mqolomba, and others.

Busani Ngcaweni, the editor of this anthology, is also the Director-General of the National School of Government. In a statement published on News24, Ngcaweni emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the passage of time and undertaking the necessary task of collective stock-taking. 1994 was a pivotal year for South Africa, but what has taken place in the last 30 years? “A reimagination of what was conceived in 1994 needs review,” writes Ngcaweni. It enables one to confront new realities and plan for the future.

You can buy this monumental collection here!