In his first official visit to Freedom Park in Tshwane since being sworn in as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie closed off Mandela Month with a heartfelt tribute to the memory of Madiba.
The event formed part of the commemoration, reflection, and celebration of the Republic of South Africa's 30 years of freedom since the first democratic elections in 1994.
The event was graced by the presence of former Deputy President and Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete and H.E. Nelson Muffuh, Resident Coordinator United Nations of South Africa, among other traditional leaders and ambassadors from various countries.
In his address, the minister reflected on the impact Nelson Mandela had made on him personally, taking the audience on a journey through his own life as a mirror of South Africa’s recent past and the power of transformation. He linked his own life to three occasions when Mandela’s release, rise to the presidency and post-power legacy had touched him and changed him. By the end of the address, the minister encouraged the audience to find Madiba within themselves, which resulted in a standing ovation.
The Minister remained at Freedom Park until the late evening, engaging with staff and board members on building new relationships and a lasting legacy in the heritage space.
Freedom Park is a pioneering heritage destination that mobilises for reconciliation and nation-building in South Africa. It is a multifaceted heritage precinct that consists of a series of memorial sites, connected by the common ideology of freedom and human rights. It is a centre of knowledge aimed at educating and further deepening the understanding of the liberation of South Africa and is inclusive of other countries' heroes that assisted in the struggle to end apartheid.
For media enquiries:
Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za
Cell: 072 172 8925
Mr Cassiday Rangata-Jacobs, Media Liaison Officer: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: CassidayR@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 (0) 61 300 2963
