A travelling exhibition, which tells the stories of South Africa’s four Nobel Peace Prize laureates, has been launched at the house where former president Nelson Mandela was released from prison.
The exhibition is one of nine on display around the city, and includes photos and video footage of Mandela, FW de Klerk, Albert Luthuli and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
It promotes, among other things, the values of humanity as personified by the laureates.
It was revealed at Drakenstein Correctional Services, the former Victor Verster Prison, near Paarl, in commemoration of the 21st anniversary of Mandela’s release from the prison.
Other replicas of the exhibition are on display at the V&A Waterfront and libraries and museums in and around the city.
Hannetjie du Preez, chief director of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, read out a speech on behalf of MEC Ivan Meyer, saying the achievements and values of the country’s Nobel Peace Prize laureates should serve as a powerful legacy and inspiration for the youth of the country.
“We must all work together as a nation to realise the vision put forward by our Nobel Peace laureates of a South Africa that becomes an example to the rest of Africa, and to the world, of peace and democracy, human rights and economic development.”
Among the speakers at last night’s event was anti-apartheid activist Ayesha “Bibi” Dawood, who shared some of her stories about Mandela.
She said that during the treason trial, Mandela had asked her to read a media report of the trial and then corrected her English.
Du Preez said members of the public should watch the local press for information on where they could see the exhibition.