A sacrifice of one’s life,

For self and for others,

A manifestation of love.

Like a mother to a newborn,

Hoping they will get a bright life,

From her daily sacrifices.

A father building tolerance,

Sweating in the mines and factories,

So his sons and daughters can feed.

The heroes involved in the struggle,

Leaving their comfortable homes,

Finding homes in prisons and in exile.

Stretching their hands too far,

So the chains of oppression can break,

Giving birth to a free South Africa.

The love mandate is for us to follow,

To appreciate the bloodshed and the love shared,

To respect and enhance each other’s freedom.