We are delighted to announce that the Great Place is abuzz with activity and it’s all systems go for the Nelson Mandela Centennial celebrations today at Mvezo, the birthplace of the Father of our Nation.
As we prepare for uTatomkhulu’s 100th birthday celebration, we give thanks to the Almighty for blessing us with this global icon of peace, justice and international solidarity, for blessing us with this role model and, most importantly, for blessing and honouring our family with a father, grandfather and great-grandfather of such exceptional calibre.
His character and values are gifts he has bequeathed us to do good and make a difference - big or small - by lending a helping hand to others. He has a big legacy and left giant shoes to fill, especially for us here as a family, and we call on all South Africans and all citizens of the world to spend at least 67 minutes tomorrow carrying out altruistic acts of goodness, kindness and charity to commemorate this great soul.
On another note, this centennial year of uNkosi Dalibhunga (the name Nelson Mandela was given at the age of 16 after undergoing initiation) is extra special and memorable because not only are we celebrating his life and legacy, but my wife Nosekeni Rabia Mandela and I are expecting another baby, Alhamdulillah!
Young Mandela Ikraam Mandela is now just over 1 year old and very excited at the prospect of being an older brother. We request your humble prayers for the health, well-being and success of both mother and child as they complete this journey, and we await the arrival of the latest addition to the Mandela family.
We pledge not to be distracted from carrying forward the life and legacy of my grandfather, and our mission seeks to work together with all who are single-mindedly devoted to building a better South Africa, the Africa of our dreams and a world in which we can all live in peace, free of poverty and free of suffering.
President Mandela dedicated his life to this cause. We and our children and their children and every generation of the Mandelas shall continue to strive for the realisation of this goal. May the life, legacy and lineage of Mandela forever live on.
Mandla is the grandson of Nelson Mandela