Pretoria – Former President Nelson Mandela was today honoured with the official launch of an opus, which tells a magnificent story in a unique way about his life.
The half-a-metre square opus has 850 pages, and is a special publication chronicling the life and times of the anti-apartheid icon.
The Nelson Mandela Opus features specially written contributions by international icons such as Bill Gates, former US President Bill Clinton, His Holiness Pope Francis, Sir Richard Branson and a personal account by President Jacob Zuma on his memories about Madiba, among others.
Speaking at the official launch of the publication, Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said government and the people of South Africa will forever be grateful to Madiba and the immense contribution he made to the liberation of South Africa.
The opus is a series of the largest works ever produced on selected iconic stories, organisations and personalities, which include brands such a Formula One, Ferrari, Manchester United and the Springboks.
Only 10 000 copies of the opus will be made available worldwide. Early in 2014, a schools art competition will be launched where school-goers from around the world will be invited to design a cover for the Opus presentation case, known as a clamshell.
Madiba’s daughter Dr Makaziwe Mandela said the book is about celebrating Mandela’s life.
“We as the family cannot forget Mandela’s story. Tata showed us the way and inspired us. The story of Tata’s life has to be repeated and told over and over again, so we don’t forget who we are,” she said.
The Opus, which weighs 37kg, is the ultimate work on Mandela’s life and legacy from his birth to his 95th birthday.
It tells his story in a unique and definitive way featuring some of the finest writers, stunning images displayed on an unprecedented scale and presented in a beautifully-designed format.
The writing is accompanied by hundreds of rare and previously unpublished archive images, specially-commissioned photos and beautiful illustrations.
Among the topics covered in the Opus are Madiba’s early years, his royal lineage, joining the ANC, the Treason Trial and his incarceration on Robben Island. – SAnews.gov.za
