Nelson Mandela 100 Centenary – 2018

2018 is significant in South African history as it is marks the centenary year of the birth of the country’s greatest leader, Nelson Mandela. In honour of Madiba, national government, industries and the Nelson Mandela Foundation – among other organisations – will be hosting a number of events in celebration to continue his legacy. By any measure Nelson Mandela’s impact, both locally and globally, has been unparalleled. But the unfinished business of his life-work looms large. His centenary provides a unique opportunity for people around the world to reflect on his life, achievements and values.

In 2018 the Nelson Mandela Foundation will seek to create appropriate platforms for such engagement. The NM100 programme has been crafted to provide the greatest opportunity for South Africa and the world to remember not just the personality of Nelson Mandela, but also what he stood for as a human being. At its very core is the objective to inspire every citizen to remember why Madiba was universally lauded for the values he espoused despite the difficult circumstances. This will be done through a number of long-term sustainable projects and developments as well as events held in many of the South African provinces.

Eastern Cape
Madiba’s birth province, the Eastern Cape, hosts the Nelson Mandela Centenary Tourism Programme in Mthatha, which includes the initiative called ‘Release Mandela Historic Memories’, a special App called ‘100 places and spaces’ that encourages tourists to have an experiential interaction with the sites that have a connection with Madiba as well as the number of tourism activities that will take place across the country.

Western Cape
In the Western Cape the National Department of Tourism partners with Robben Island, and has committed R10million towards destination enhancement. “The project involves digitization of heritage archive of Robben Island, links to the creative industry through partnership with local artists and crafters and conversion of buildings for alternative usage,” says Minister Tokozile Xasa.

Gauteng
The Peoples Park Project at Constitution Hill stems from the South African Constitution turning 21 this year. The Peoples Park at Constitution Hill Precinct will include the construction of an open park space, children’s playground, high street retail amenities, construction of pedestrian routes, public open spaces connecting the surrounding community to the constitutional court, as well as the creation of wheelchair friendly bridges and pathways, sensory paths for blind visitors and upgrades to the lifts which provide universal access.

Make it your mission, for the remainder of 2018, to make every day a Mandela Day, living the admirable values Madiba depicted in your daily life – no matter your struggle.

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