The first of the six “born free” vignettes I filmed in and around Johannesburg in March is broadcast Today at 17.30 GMT on BBC World News. They will be premiered on Focus on Africa at the rate of one a day and broadcast throughout the South Africa Direct season on the channel.

The “born frees” were all born at the time of the first democratic elections in the country. In 60 seconds they sum up their story and their hopes for the country. They are Chanelle Olivier – skateboarder, Candy K – radio DJ, Thabang Mabaso – ballet dancer, Tyron Miller – motocross rider, Mahlatse Legodi – former inmate and Nisha Lutchman – nursing student and cake maker.

It was a pleasure to meet them all and a challenge cutting each to 60 seconds. It helped a lot to have two cameras and a GoPro for the skateboarding and motocross.