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One of the world's most iconic leaders and statesmen will be remembered by the nation on the first anniversary of his death.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation, along with the South African government, has planned activities between 4 and 15 December 2014. This will be a call to all South Africans and the world, the foundation said in a statement, to keep Madiba's legacy alive by living his values.
A wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Mandela statue at the Union Buildings at 8am tomorrow 5 December. Struggle veterans will also participate in the wreath laying ceremony. Members of the public are also invited to lay wreaths throughout the day.
Deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa has also called on schools, community centres, places of worship, and individuals to ring bells and sirens, use instruments, sound vuvuzelas and loudhailers at 09.56, followed by a period of silence from 10am until 10.03 am in tribute to Madiba at Freedom Park in Pretoria. The national anthem will then be sung wherever people are gathering. The time lapse from the ringing of the bells to the end of the moment of silence is 6 minutes, 7 seconds and is symbolic of the 67 years Madiba spent in the service of humanity.
"On 5 December 2013 we lost the father of the nation, one of the most revered leaders our country has ever produced, Nelson Mandela. In his memory we draw strength and comfort from the love, support and unity he bequeathed to the people of South Africa, Africa and the world. We are stronger and more united by the legacy he left us," Ramaphosa said.
The foundation has also collected messages from people all over the world in a special multimedia exhibition experience titled In Tribute to Nelson Mandela, which will be on display at the Foundation’s Centre of Memory in Houghton, Johannesburg until the end of February 2015. “We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love from virtually every corner of the world and are grateful to each and every person who has shared how they have been touched by our beloved Madiba,” says Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Foundation.
Other initiatives include:
- 5 December:The launch of an exhibition at the foundation which will be a nationwide Mandela Day Literacy for Leadership Book Drive and the virtual tribute digital app in recognition of South Africa’s first democratically elected president, will all contribute towards building on Madiba’s legacy and marks our collective responsibility as active citizens to live his legacy.
- The gun carriage that carried Madiba’s coffin will be on display as the South African National Defence Force's tribute.
- The Mandela Legacy Cup public tribute event - Proteas vs Springboks - will be held at the Bidvest Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg. International rugby referee Craig Joubert, will referee alongside Patrick Jele.The Proteas will play against the Springboks in a friendly cricket match with special performances from Johnny Clegg and Prime Circle, and public team signings to honour Madiba.
- 6 December: Artists in tribute to Madiba - Poets, writers, performers and musicians open session led by Professor Njabulo Ndebele, Chairman of the Nelson Mandela Foundation at the Foundation’s Centre of Memory, 107 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg.
- 7 December: National Bikers for Madiba (#BigRoarForMadiba) breakfast run. Bikers are encouraged to dedicate their Sunday breakfast runs nationwide to Madiba and support the Mandela Day Leadership for Literacy Book Drive.
- 12 December: Comedians in Tribute to Madiba at the Foundation’s Centre of Memory, 107 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg.
- 13 December: Nelson Mandela Remembrance Walk.
- 14 December: The inaugural Tshwane City Marathon, with the last mile in honour of Madiba.A quote from Madiba:
“When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.” -- Nelson Mandela
