We take you back to the 27th of April 1994, when millions of South Africans voted for the first time since the fall of apartheid. But one man, Michael December, was still incarcerated when Nelson Mandela was democratically elected as South Africa's first black president. He only received a political pardon in 2015. Michael recalls how those who were jailed celebrated when they were told that they could vote for the first time.

The Democracy Gauge is a show designed the South African audience at the heart of it. This is a show where the viewers tell it like it is.

The Democracy Gauge is a show designed the South African audience at the heart of it.

Democracy Gauge

Democracy Gauge: Michael December

Masilo Machaka is an avid Kaizer Chiefs, Bafana Bafana, Proteas, and Springbok supporter and a recognisable face in the stands.

Machaka can often be seen on our TV screens, singing and dancing during football, cricket and rugby matches.  A passionate sports fan, who hails from Botlokwa in the Limpopo province.

After matriculating, Machaka came to Johannesburg seeking better opportunities and greener pastures.

He says soon after his arrival in Johannesburg he discovered that there were vast opportunities in the sporting world.  “Back then I was supporting Kaizer Chiefs and I was only supporting football as rugby and cricket was not our thing as black people. After arriving in Joburg and realising there are opportunities in other sporting codes, I decided to venture into sports that's why I am also supporting cricket and rugby."

He reckons that while strides have been during the country’s democracy there are gains yet, there's still some work to do.

Masilo Machaka is an avid Kaizer Chiefs, Bafana Bafana, Proteas, and Springbok supporter and a recognisable face in the stands. Machaka can often be seen on our TV screens, singing and dancing during football, cricket and rugby matches.  A passionate sports fan, who hails from Botlokwa in the Limpopo province. After matriculating, Machaka came to Johannesburg seeking better opportunities and greener pastures. He says soon after his arrival in Johannesburg he discovered that there were vast opportunities in the sporting world.  “Back then I was supporting Kaizer Chiefs and I was only supporting football as rugby and cricket was not our thing as black people. After arriving in Joburg and realising there are opportunities in other sporting codes, I decided to venture into sports that's why I am also supporting cricket and rugby." He reckons that while strides have been during the country’s democracy there are gains yet, there's still some work to do.

'There are gains yet, there's still some work to do'

In the shadow of the Marlboro Gautrain station, in the heart of one of South Africa’s most affluent regions, the cardboard and hardwood shacks of Setswetla informal settlement stand in stark contrast to the mansions of its neighboring suburb of Sandton.

Situated on the banks of the Jukskei River, the informal settlement is a boiling pot of cultures, ethnicities and nationalities. Community leader Brian Mahlangu spoke to SABC News about life in Setswetla since the dawn of the democracy.

In the shadow of the Marlboro Gautrain station, in the heart of one of South Africa’s most affluent regions, the cardboard and hardwood shacks of Setswetla informal settlement stand in stark contrast to the mansions of its neighboring suburb of Sandton. Situated on the banks of the Jukskei River, the informal settlement is a boiling pot of cultures, ethnicities and nationalities. Community leader Brian Mahlangu spoke to SABC News about life in Setswetla since the dawn of the democracy.

Democracy Gauge: Brian Mahlangu

A former North West police officer, based in Klerksdorp, who was allegedly suspended from his duty in 1991, is still struggling to get his suspension lifted, 28 years later. The man says, he has knocked virtually on all doors, and seemingly, no one is prepared to listen. He says, at the dawn of democracy in 1994, he was optimistic, his problem, would be resolved, but says, his hopes were soon, dashed, when those in authority, also turned their backs against him.

George Mbathu, contends that, since his suspension, in 1991, he was never accorded a departmental inquiry, which is required by law, when a SAPS member is suspended. As far as he is concerned, he is still on suspension, and ought to be reinstated, since he has not been found guilty of any offence by the SAPS.

A former North West police officer, based in Klerksdorp, who was allegedly suspended from his duty in 1991, is still struggling to get his suspension lifted, 28 years later. The man says, he has knocked virtually on all doors, and seemingly, no one is prepared to listen. He says, at the dawn of democracy in 1994, he was optimistic, his problem, would be resolved, but says, his hopes were soon, dashed, when those in authority, also turned their backs against him. George Mbathu, contends that, since his suspension, in 1991, he was never accorded a departmental inquiry, which is required by law, when a SAPS member is suspended. As far as he is concerned, he is still on suspension, and ought to be reinstated, since he has not been found guilty of any offence by the SAPS.

Democracy Gauge: Michael December

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