The Western Cape Government is honouring Madiba during this week of national mourning with evening laser projections of his face on Table Mountain. The Tribute Laser Display will run every night until 16 December. Members of the public are advised that visibility is best from 21h00 and the projection is switched off at midnight.
Table Mountain is not only one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World but it was also a significant landmark for Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment on Robben Island. While the apartheid authorities tried to break the spirits of Robben Island prisoners, Madiba and his fellow freedom fighters were inspired by one of the Cape’s iconic natural wonders to resist those attempts.
In his words, “During the many years of incarceration on Robben Island, we often looked across Table Bay at the magnificent silhouette of Table Mountain. To us on Robben Island, Table Mountain was a beacon of hope. It represented the mainland to which we would one day return.”
The laser image is projected from Tafelberg Road and the projection site is not open to the public. A visit to the site can be arranged for the media this evening Monday, 9 December from 20.00 but they will need to provide some form of identification as media in order to gain access.
Please RSVP to Mushfieqah Salie (Mushfieqah.Salie@westerncape.gov.za) with mobile and email contact details to participate and get further information.
Logistical assistance for the Tribute Laser Display is being provided by:
- City of Cape Town to enable the use of an electric power sub-station and have emergency services on stand-by
- SANParks have activated their rangers and will manage access control
- Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) are ensuring air space clearance
- LaserX is doing the technical operation
NB: Photos of the laser image are attached for use by the media. Please give photo credits to Eric Miller.
