Remember Madiba
Various activities have been planned for the first anniversary of the late former President Nelson Mandela.
President Jacob Zuma has thanked South Africans for the “profound and dignified” send-off the nation accorded former President Nelson Mandela, ahead of the first anniversary of his passing.
South Africa will on Friday commemorate a year since the death of the first President of a democratic South Africa.
Madiba passed away at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg on 5 December last year.
“People from all over the world joined South Africans in mourning the passing of one of the greatest statesman ever produced by Africa. The world converged in our country and joined us as we bid farewell to this remarkable global statesman.
“As we remember Madiba this week, let us do so through recommitting ourselves to advancing his vision of unity, reconciliation, global peace, development, prosperity and a better life for all South Africans,” said President Zuma on Monday.
Various activities have been planned for the first anniversary, including an interfaith memorial service at Freedom Park in Pretoria. This will be officiated by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Nelson Mandela Centre will also hold a Nelson Mandela Condolence Books Exhibition on 4 December, officiated by the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor.
By July this year, a total of 4850 condolence books and more than 3000 condolence cards had been brought to South Africa from embassies all over the world, demonstrating what Madiba meant to the people of the world.
The Presidency also received more than 100 condolence books from around the country.
There will also be the inaugural Tshwane City Marathon “The Last Mile” in honour of Madiba at the Union Buildings on 14 December. – SAnews.gov.za
