Acting President Cyril Ramaphosa, will tomorrow, Friday, 5 December, deliver the keynote address at the official commemoration ceremony of the late former President Nelson Mandela at Freedom Park, in Pretoria.
On behalf of President Jacob Zuma, the government and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, calls on all South Africans, churches, mosques, temples, factories, schools and motorists to:
- Ring their bells, sirens, hoot, and use loud hailers etc. to call the country to attention at 3 minutes and 7 seconds to 10h00
- Observe of a moment of silence at 10h00 until 10h03.
- The moment of silence should end by the singing of the National Anthem at 10h03 across the country.
- South Africans are urged to wear their favourite Mandela t-shirt, shirt or other memorabilia on December 5 in his remembrance.
- We call on those on social media to participate in a campaign using #RememberMandela to share their memories of Nelson Mandela.
Acting President Ramaphosa said, “On 5 December 2013 we lost the father of the nation, one of the most revered leaders our country has ever produced, Nelson Mandela. In his memory we draw strength and comfort from the love, support and unity he bequeathed to the people of South Africa, Africa and the world. We are stronger and more united by the legacy he left us.”
As part of the national commemoration service, a wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Mandela statue in the Union Buildings lawns at 08h00 tomorrow, Friday 5 December. In this context, veterans of the struggle for freedom and those who fought side-by-side with Nelson Mandela in the just struggle against apartheid, will participate in the wreath laying ceremony. It will be open to all South Africans and members of the public are urged to visit the site throughout the day to lay wreaths.
Provincial governments throughout the country will also be holding commemorative services to mark the first year since the passing of Nelson Mandela.
“Let us all keep Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive by living his values in every aspect of our own lives - unflinching sacrifice in the humble service of all of humanity. All South Africans are urged to play their part in moving South Africa forward as part of efforts to build a better South Africa, in a better Africa, in a better world, and in memory of this icon of our people, Nelson Mandela,” said Ramaphosa.
For more information contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
