Nelson Mandela stamps to be issued

The South African Post Office (SAPO) has issued a Nelson Mandela commemorative stamp to celebrate the life and legacy of the anti-apartheid icon, last Tuesday.

SAPO spokesman Johan Kruger said stamp issues featuring Madiba have consistently been the post office’s most popular items, and the SA Post Office believes this will be no exception.

“The souvenir folder launched in conjunction with the Nelson Mandela Foundation is one of the means of continuing the Madiba legacy.

“For each folder sold, the SA Post Office will donate R2 to the foundation,” she said.

Kruger said the proceeds would go towards building 67 libraries as part of the Mandela Day literacy project.

Chair of the post office’s stamp advisory committee Getty Simelane, said the item was printed on the highest quality paper using state-of-the-art printing processes to ensure it was collectable.

“Printed in silver to reflect the richness of Mandela’s legacy and his stature, the miniature sheet features a portrait of Madiba in duotone.

“These items are printed using two different plates,” he said.

Simelane said the reminder folder will make a great gift to a child who was born on February 11 or on the day Mandela died, or to someone who has memories of personally interacting with Mandela, or to anyone who cherishes his memory and his legacy,” she said.