Remembering Madiba: One year on
This Friday, 5 December, South Africa will commemorate the first anniversary of the sad passing of the country's founding President, Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
President Jacob Zuma has once again extended his gratitude to South Africans for the "profound and dignified send-off that the nation accorded the first President of the democratic Republic''.
Said the President: "People from all over the world joined South Africans in mourning the passing of one of the greatest statesman ever produced by Africa. The world converged in our country and joined us as we bid farewell to this remarkable global statesman. As we remember Madiba this week, let us do so through recommitting ourselves to advancing his vision of unity, reconciliation, global peace, development, prosperity and a better life for all South Africans."
In observance of one year since the former President's passing away, various activities will be undertaken in the country.
These include the following:
- The opening of the Nelson Mandela Condolence Books Exhibition at the Nelson Mandela Centre of memory on the 4 December 2014. The Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor will officiate at the ceremony. By July this year, a total of 4850 condolence books and more than 3000 condolence cards had been brought to South Africa from our embassies all over the world, demonstrating what Madiba meant to the people of the world. The Presidency also received more than 100 condolence books from around the country.
- Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will officiate at the interfaith memorial service for Madiba, which will be held at Freedom Park in Pretoria, on 5 December 2014, led by the Department of Social Development.
The full details of the events will be communicated in due course.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@icloud.com
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 5010139
