President Cyril Ramaphosa will unveil two statues of the Father of the Nation on 18 July 2023 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, as part of the International Nelson Mandela Month celebrations.
The programme spearheaded by the Nelson Mandela Museum is in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture; OR Tambo District Municipality and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality.
According to the statement, the statues will be unveiled at the Nelson Mandela Museum, Bhunga Building in Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Museum Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu.
“The two statues of Nelson Mandela will resemble Nelson Mandela as a Statesman and the other as a traditionalist.”
On the same day, the museum and department will hand over a library at Zingisa Comprehensive High School as part of “Making a Difference” in the community.
This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day will be commemorated under the theme: “It is in Your Hands”.
The planned International Mandela Day activities will kick start with an International Mandela Day public lecture at the Nelson Mandela Museum Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu on 17 July 2023 where Minister Zizi Kodwa will be in attendance.
Meanwhile, government has called on citizens to contribute to turning the tide against food insecurity and climate change in honour of Madiba’s legacy.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in a statement on Tuesday, described former President Nelson Mandela as a leader who abhorred injustice.
“He is known mainly for the personal sacrifices that he and fellow freedom fighters made towards achieving democracy in South Africa.
“Even outside of prison, Mandela continued the fight against injustice, especially poverty, through various means, including mobilising local and international friends to support fundraising efforts for food insecurity and education, among others.”
According to government, Mandela viewed anti-poverty efforts as the protection of human rights.
“He once said, ‘Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life’.
“As such, South Africans will do well to honour him by emulating these ideals not only during Mandela Month but make them part of their daily lives.”
During this month, government will host several events led by Ministers, Premiers, Deputy Ministers, Directors-General and public servants in all provinces.
These events include the planting of trees and the donation of blankets, clothes and food.
The programmes will also support communities by starting food gardens. – SAnews.gov.za
