On April 27, 2004, South Africa's new democracy turned ten years old. It was a memorable decade, certainly one of the most fascinating in the country's history. South Africa's transition to democracy set off a whirlwind of change. Social dynamics were unleashed, leading to rapid, exhilarating, and sometimes bewildering transformation in every sphere of South African society. This book presents an ideal opportunity to look back at this eventful period, to take stock of what has happened, celebrate the achievements and assess the shortcomings. This book creates a permanent record of this seminal decade. Although ultimately a celebration of the achievements of a nation that has managed to come together after centuries of division and conflict, this photographic essay also portrays some problem areas such as poverty, crime and HIV/AIDS. The photographs depict all the aspects of life in this country over the past decade and include achievements in areas such as the arts, education, science, sport, commerce and politics.