South Africa: Exhibition launched telling Madiba's life story

17 Jul 2008

Joining the rest of the world in marking Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday, the Department of Education officially opened the Nelson Mandela exhibition ‘Making the Legacy' on Wednesday. The exhibition, which was developed in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Umlando Productions, highlights key aspects of the life of Mandela.

It is based on the Madiba Legacy series, which is a series of eight comic books of eight books telling the stories of Madiba's life, values and work.

The series is sponsored by Anglo American and the booklets are distributed in newspapers through Independent Newspapers and to schools.

Opening the exhibition on Wednesday, Education Minister, Naledi Pandor said that the exhibition was part of the department's duty to nurture the legacy of Madiba and share it with young people.

“He is an inspiration for everyone and we are encouraging children to read about his life.

“His service to our community and defence for the weak and vulnerable are an inspiration, I believe the exhibition is a fitting way of celebrating the 90th birthday,” said Pandor adding that his ability to build bridges between the oppressor and those oppressed was a further inspiration.

The minister added that the exhibition did not focus on Mandela but his values as well, which are reflected in the books and also looks at issues of human dignity.

Chief executive officer for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Achmat Dangor said that about one million books have been distributed to schools noting that other heroes who played an important role in this country including Madiba's opponents would also be recognised.

“We want to talk to young people in the language they understand and hope to reach out and make them aware of our heritage,” he said.

School principal at Katlego Intermediate School in Daveyton, Keamogetse Dlamini said that through the book, people will have an opportunity to learn more about Mandela and the importance of values and preserving South Africa's heritage.

Education director general, Duncan Hindle commented that if all of aspired to be like Madiba, the world would be a better place to live in.

Mandela, on Wednesday, left for Qunu in the Eastern Cape to be with his family for his birthday which is on Friday.

President Thabo Mbeki and Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will join him on Saturday for further celebrations.

By Gabi Khumalo courest of BuaNews