Kaizer Chiefs joined millions of South Africans around the world in acknowledging and celebrating the 20 years of the release of political icon, Nelson Mandela, who was released from Victor Vaster prison on February 11, 1990.

Kaizerchiefs.com went around the office of the Club’s headquarters to find out what they remember about this particular day.

Buti Motaung (Security)

Media shy in his nature, Buti Motaung took time to speak to kaizerchiefs.com about this iconic day. “We were glued to the television the whole day waiting for the moment. I remember the headlines that morning in one of the papers, Daily Mail. February 11 is a special day and will always be in our hearts as South Africans,” he said before running away.

Nomalanga Ndawonde (Cleaner and Refreshment Lady)

The bubbly Nomalanga was in Soweto on this day back in 1990 and she remembers vividly when elders told her, “Mandela will be walking down our street as early as 4 am in the morning". “I woke up, believe it or not, in anticipation of this great moment. Old people said he was going pass by our street, only to find out it was not true,” she said in laughter.

“I remember the excitement, the rallies all around Chaiwela in SOWETO. I did not really know the significance of this day then but I also joined the festivities. I am grateful for all the sacrifices Madiba has made for all of us."

Mcedisi Mackenzie (Security)

“I remember being in tears as TATA walked out of prison. I was watching on television the whole day,” said the visibly emotional Mackenzie.

Zweli Msomi (Supporters Club)

Zweli was only six years old when Madiba was released from prison, “I remember the funeral of Mr Motsoaledi, who was one of the influential leaders in the ANC in that time. Tata came to his funeral and I remember jumping up in excitement when I saw him with my own eyes. I remember the soldiers who came to our township to restore peace. We used to call them 'Dacktailers'.

"I want to thank Tata for his kindness and to me this has extended to the people of South Africa on how we treat our visitors in this country. As a country we have moved on from the past and we have taken the white community with us and that was the vision of Madiba!

Lancelot Maphike (Kaizer Chiefs Development Coach)

Ntsie Maphike, at the prime of his career at Kaizer Chiefs during the release of Madiba, described the day in few words. “This day means opportunities, freedom is here -- let's administer it to our benefit.”

Sam Motaung (Driver)

“I recall the excitement all around the country, the aeroplanes on that day. It is the day I will never forget in my life. Long Live Mandela!” said “Uncle Sam”, as Sam Motaung is affectionately known at the Village.

Dee Hufkie (HR Consultant)

I was doing Standard 5(Grade 7) when Mr Mandela was released from prison. We watched the event from television in a white middle class neighborhood. There was a sense of excitement for us as kids, but a sense of fear to the elders. It was an exciting moment in the history of this country.

Dara Carroll (Brand Manager)

Dara Carroll, who was in the camp with Women’s Football on the day of the release, also shared her memories with kaizerchiefs.com. “My best part was when the journalist from SABC kept us glued on the screens as Mandela was released, I think an hour later than expected. I remember I had just watched a video of the Mandela Concert in London, “Free Mandela”. I never realized the importance of musicians, a really dejavu moment for me,” said Dara.

“Funny though, I expected him to be shorter than he is. When he came out I saw a giant. Mandela stands for serenity. He unified the people of South Africa. He taught us the art of negotiations and that, as a result of his freedom, another journey was started.”

Mbali Khongela (Receptionist)

“I was in Primary School in Soweto. I recall the gatherings, the festivities, the voice of Blondie Makene, 'too many people are suffering'. It is funny because I was singing that song this morning as I drove to work and I was not aware that this is the day Madiba was released,” said Mbali.

“As a child during that time I was not really aware what was happening, but you could feel in the air there was something, because everyone was jumping and dancing in the streets. I did not feel liberated as a child but the festivities on that day will always be engraved in my mind,” she concluded.

The Kaizer Chiefs Family in its totality salutes Madiba for all the sacrifices he made. His words, straight after his release, “I place the remaining years of my life in your hands”, should be an inspiration to all of us as South Africans to contribute to making this country a ‘better place for all’.