Mandela died on December 5 2013 after a long illness.
The much-loved Madiba was jailed for 27 years for his leading role in the struggle against apartheid and went on to became South Africa’s first democratically elected black president in 1994.
Provincial government spokesman Sizwe Kupelo yesterday said all roads would lead to the Qunu Museum today where the Mandela family, MECs and traditional leaders would gather to celebrate the icon’s life. “We call on our people to continue living his legacy and continue with his principles of humility, forgiveness, love and respect,” Kupelo said.
He said as a country, and especially Madiba’s home province, his legacy should be continued. “As the Eastern Cape government, we also call on our public servants to practice batho pele and honour our great leader.”
AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo said the country must be emancipated from poverty.
“The true commemoration would be to live Madiba's values. It is not enough do to it once in a while, it should be an everyday thing. If we say we are honouring Madiba it should not be a popularity seeking mission or we will lose the essence of the great man,” Dalindyebo said yesterday.
National Heritage Council CEO Sonwabile Mancotywa, premier Phumulo Masualle and mayors will be in attendance. Department of sports spokesman Andile Nduna said they too wanted to honour the Nobel peace prize laureate by organising sporting activities.
“As a department we are remembering him by hosting the Heroes Marathon and from this year it will no longer be on December 16,” he said.
Nduna said in keeping up with sports, there would amateur boxing bouts at the museum to remember Madiba’s input to boxing.
The Heroes Marathon will start at 6am. There will also be a 10km run from Viegiesville and a peace walk from the Mandela Residence, all leading to the Qunu Museum.
None of the Mandela family members could be reached at the time of writing. — siyab@dispatch.co.za