Mandela pays tribute
2003-05-06 23:46
Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela again paid tribute on Tuesday to his long-time comrade-in-arms "and peace", Walter Sisulu, when he cut the ribbon to open the new offices of the foundation that bears his name.
Mandela officiated the inauguration of the state-of-the-art building in Houghton, Johannesburg, to be known as Nelson Mandela House.
The R15m complex will be the headquarters of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and will have two main functions - to support Mandela technically as well as logistically and to organise his hundreds of meetings and many trips abroad.
While Mandela praised the work of the foundation, he again noted the passing of his old and dear friend Sisulu.
"This day an entire nation mourns the passing of a great son. None of us can match the leadership and humanity of this man. Tonight, this building is named after one of us. Walter deserved this acclaim more than all of us put together."
Sisulu died at the age of 90 on Monday night.
Mandela was one of the first on Monday to publicly mourn Sisulu's passing, saying in a statement that his death "carved a void" in his life.
John Samuel, chief executive of the foundation, told Sapa the foundation's new building would allow the foundation to "give expression through its programme to Mr Mandela's legacy and values".
Samuel said the foundation hoped to build a substantial endowment fund of about R500m over the next two years to sustain the various programmes.
He said funds came from many sources such as entertainment celebrities, heads of state, kings, big foundations and corporations - "the sort of company Mr Mandela keeps".
Among the programmes already in operation are those relating to HIV/Aids, rural schools and peace and reconciliation.
In the current year some R53m will be granted to various causes around the country.
Coinciding with the opening of the foundation's new building was the launch of the foundation's new website, said Sameul.
"Tonight we are celebrating two launches, the actual building and the virtual building. This is only a small beginning. We are becoming a vital part of global systems."
- SAPA