As South Africa prepared to celebrate its 20th Anniversary of the advent of democracy in 1994 it was hard to believe the ‘Mandela miracle’ nearly didn’t happen. In an orgy of countrywide violence, some were intent on derailing the first free elections.

Now, for the first time, those responsible for countless deaths and widespread mayhem explain how they nearly brought South Africa to its knees.

In an exclusive interview behind bars – hit squad commander Eugene de Kock lays bare the role of the Apartheid State in undermining the transition, and the complicity of those in the highest echelons of power.

In rare interviews, former President F.W. De Klerk and then President Jacob Zuma answer questions about the extent of this state complicity.

1994 is a chilling look at how far some men went to thwart democracy, but how they have now made an uneasy peace with the Rainbow Nation in their own different ways.

Featuring stunning cinematography combined with unseen archival footage, a riveting music score and narration by Dr John Kani, this landmark documentary will change the way people remember South Africa’s so-called miracle.