Mthatha – Six months ago, residents of Qunu were in mourning, following the death of the village’s son and former South African President Nelson Mandela.
But today, locals here are celebrating Madiba’s life and are determined to protect his legacy.
With the world marking the Nelson Mandela International Day on Friday, there is a hive of activity in Qunu with villagers and visitors taking part in various activities to mark the late icon’s birthday.
Staff at the Nelson Mandela Museum will spend the day cleaning and painting a local clinic while an information centre will be handed over to the community of Qunu later in the day.
Today people across the world will commemorate Mandela Day by dedicating 67 minutes of their time doing community work and taking part in various causes aimed at improving the lives of others.
A high level government delegation is also in the area to take part in various initiatives.
President Jacob Zuma will spend the day at Mandela Science School in Mvezo where he will officially unveil a statue of the late former President.
President Zuma will be accompanied by Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa as well as Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masuale.
Government has urged South Africans to heed the call made by President Zuma in his State of the Nation Address in June to use Mandela Day by taking part in a clean-up campaign. –SAnews.gov.za
