Nelson Mandela Museum
The Nelson Mandela Museum will be commemorating 34 years since Tat'uMandela's release from prison, and 24 years since the museum's establishment in Mthatha.
The Department of Arts, Recreation, Arts and Culture will join the celebrations in eDikeni, along with the Amathole District and Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipalities.
Mandela was released from prison by the apartheid government on 11 February 1990, and the museum CEO, Dr Vuyani Booi, says the commemoration events take place on 15 and 16 February.
"We want to remind people irrespective of their cultures and their political persuasion that during this month a leader like Mandela was set free, Let us come together and celebrate the legacy and the values of Nelson Mandela".
However, he said it was sad that the 34th anniversary of his release comes within a context and period where Mandela`s legacy is 'under siege'.
Madiba's personal belongings were scheduled be sold during an online auction on 24 February by a New York-based auction house, Guernsey, in conjunction with Mandela's eldest daughter, Dr Makaziwe Mandela.
But, the auction house announced a suspension after the South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) successfully appealed an earlier court judgment that gave the auction the go-ahead.
Dr Booi welcomed the suspension.
"I would like to reiterate that such items are part of the South African broad heritage and should not be auctioned off but rather must be donated to the Museum which is charged with the national responsibility of managing and preserving the gifts of Nelson Mandela".
He further noted that the Mandela celebrations come at a time when the South African government celebrates its victory at the International Court of Justice in its efforts to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.
Dr Booi also highlighted a quote from the former president; "The United Nations took a strong stand against apartheid; and over the years, an international consensus was built, which helped to bring an end to this iniquitous system, but we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians".
He said this year's commemoration theme, The Triumphant Walk into a Dream of Rainbow Nation, was inspired by South Africa's stance against Israel, and Mandela's view on this issue.
Part of the celebrations will see the museum and its partners host a Round Table Discussion at Raymond Mhlaba Municipality Chambers, to unpack the theme and discuss at length the walk to freedom by Nelson Mandela.
