Home » ‘Dear Mandela… Sorry You Died For Me’. Nelson Mandela Centenary Includes Children’s Letters

‘Dear Mandela… Sorry You Died For Me’. Nelson Mandela Centenary Includes Children’s Letters

A beautiful letter of gratitude to former President Nelson Mandela, written by a child, was shared today at the NM Foundation’s launch of the Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018 ‘Be the Legacy’ two-year programme. Madiba would have turned 100 years’ old next year, on 18 July 2018. The programme to honour Mandela, was launched at Donaldson Orlando Community Centre […]

By SAPeople
13-02-17 18:25
in Fab South African Stuff

A beautiful letter of gratitude to former President Nelson Mandela, written by a child, was shared today at the NM Foundation’s launch of the Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018 ‘Be the Legacy’ two-year programme. Madiba would have turned 100 years’ old next year, on 18 July 2018.

The programme to honour Mandela, was launched at Donaldson Orlando Community Centre (now called YMCA), along with a dedicated logo.

A book project called Letters to Madiba, was also announced at the event. Primary school children are invited to submit their letters to Nelson Mandela throughout the year. The book will be published in 2018.

The letter shared on Twitter today poignantly says: “Dear Mandela. Sorry you died for me. I have read The Long Walk to Freedom book. I was amazed by your braveness.”

Foundation trustee Tokyo Sexwale paid tribute to Oliver Tambo, who would have turned 100 this year. “There is no Nelson Mandela without Oliver Tambo,” said Sexwale to a thunderous applause.

“Tambo and Mandela were best of friends since they were 12- and 13-year-old boys, it is fitting that we mark their centenary years in this way,” added Sexwale.

The launch of the centenary programme takes place during the Nelson Mandela release week – Mandela was released 27 years ago on 11 February 1990 (after spending 27 years imprisoned).  Today, 13 February, marks the day Mandela addressed, for the first time, the masses in Soweto at Orlando Stadium in 1990.

The centenary programme will see the roll-out of a number of activities in 2017, both in South Africa and abroad, ranging from education and the arts to exhibitions and sports.

The Soweto Gospel Choir performed a collection of songs from their upcoming project that will tell the historic story of Soweto through song.

Source: Nelson Mandela Foundation