South Africans who were in the US on 9/11 share their memories of America's darkest day

It was a day that changed the world forever, not only the USA. And no matter where people were when it happened, many remember it as if it happened just yesterday. 

It’s been 20 years since the attacks on 9 September 2001 that killed more than 3 000 people. But the sight of the planes hijacked by Al Qaeda terrorists slamming into key American landmarks has been burnt into the memories of many. 

For those who were there it wasn’t just the sight that was horrific – the smell of smoke and sound of sirens are also ingrained in their minds.